New federal regulations are reshaping the trucking industry as the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) enforces restrictions allowing only U.S. citizens and permanent residents to obtain or renew commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). The policy, issued as an emergency rule, requires state motor vehicle departments to halt issuing CDLs to noncitizens who do not hold permanent residency.
The DOT stated the measure aims to strengthen highway safety and close loopholes that have allowed drivers without sufficient legal documentation to operate commercial vehicles. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the previous system as “absolutely, 100% broken,” emphasizing that “dangerous, unqualified drivers” had been licensed under lax regulations.
Vivek Sharma, an asylum seeker in the U.S. for 10 years, was denied renewal of his California trucking license last week. He explained in Hindi that only green card holders and U.S. citizens can renew. After eight years of driving, he now faces unemployment and uncertainty about supporting his family in India.
California, one of 19 states that issues licenses regardless of immigration status, has been ordered to comply or risk losing federal highway funding. The DOT warned the state to pause issuing “non-domiciled” CDLs, audit existing licenses, and reissue any that fail to meet federal standards. Failure to comply could result in the loss of up to $160 million in federal funds.
Industry leaders are expressing concern about the potential for labor shortages. Bill Aboudi, president of AB Trucking at the Port of Oakland, explained that the sector already faces challenges. “This is a tough business. Trucking is a tough business,” he said, noting that reduced numbers of licensed drivers could disrupt supply chains as seen during the pandemic.
The DOT maintains that stricter enforcement is necessary to improve safety on American roads, citing several fatal crashes involving drivers who were not legally permitted to operate commercial vehicles.
