WASHINGTON (Gray DC) – The Department of Transportation is cracking down on long haul truck drivers, making it harder for non-U.S. citizens to obtain a commercial driver’s license.
The emergency interim final rule comes after a nationwide audit from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration found many CDLs were improperly issued; and many recent fatal crashes involving large trucks were caused by drivers who Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says never should have legally been issued a license.
The rule drastically restricts who’s eligible to be issued a commercial driver’s license: the type of documentation required for truckers.
“The process for issuing these licenses is absolutely, 100% broken,” said Duffy during a Friday press conference announcing the rule.
The move would deem non-citizens ineligible for CDLs unless they meet a much stricter set of standards. It would also mandate that states verify the lawful status of applicants, and would require that each CDL expire after a year or upon the expiration of the driver’s visa – whichever comes first.
The rule is effective immediately, causing all states to pause the issuing of CDLs until they prove they can comply.
“It has become a threat to public safety,” said Duffy, “and it is a national emergency that requires action right now.”
Duffy says the change comes in an effort to keep America’s roadways safe from potentially dangerous drivers.
He points to one state he says is the worst offender: California, with up to 25% of CDLs improperly issued.
“Those California licenses are driven on roads in every single state in this country and again, putting American families, American drivers at risk,” Duffy said.
The Golden State has 30 days to comply with the change after a notice of noncompliance was sent, or risk nearly $160 million in withheld federal highway funds from FMCSA. That amount would double in year two.
Duffy says other states could see similar action taken if they don’t comply with the rule change, including Colorado, Texas, South Dakota, Washington, and Pennsylvania.
But what does this mean for business? Duffy says this shouldn’t impact the movement of goods as American drivers can pick up the load, and is encouraging future drivers to think about hitting the road.
