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In a significant move, the Transportation Department has announced new regulations targeting the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and learner’s permits for non-domiciled individuals. This change follows a comprehensive audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that raised concerns about current licensing practices in several states, particularly California.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the urgency of these reforms during a recent press conference. He stated that the findings from the investigation should provoke serious concern among the American public. The new regulations aim to ensure that only eligible individuals can obtain these critical licenses, thereby enhancing safety on the roads.
New eligibility requirements for commercial licenses
Under the revised rules, non-citizens will now face stricter conditions before acquiring a non-domiciled commercial learner’s permit or a commercial driver’s license. One key change is the requirement for an employment-based visa, which will serve as a prerequisite for obtaining a CDL.
Additionally, the Transportation Department will conduct mandatory immigration status checks through the SAVE system, ensuring that all applicants meet the new criteria.
Implications of recent audits
The FMCSA’s audit uncovered instances of non-compliance in various states, with California identified as a particularly troubling case.
Reports indicated that ineligible drivers received CDLs, including some who retained valid licenses even after their lawful presence in the U.S. had lapsed. Secretary Duffy attributed these lapses to poor oversight, inadequate training for issuing agents, and operational errors within licensing systems.
Duffy did not hold back when addressing the issue, highlighting the serious risks posed by issuing licenses to potentially unsafe drivers. He stated, “Licenses to operate an 80,000-pound vehicle should never be granted to dangerous foreign drivers, especially when done illegally.
This is a direct threat to the safety of every family traveling on our roads.”
Accountability measures for states
The Transportation Department has given California a strict deadline of 30 days to rectify its licensing practices. Should the state fail to comply, it risks losing substantial federal funding, potentially amounting to nearly $160 million in the first year alone. This financial threat serves as a powerful motivator for state officials to prioritize compliance with the new regulations.
Consequences of non-compliance
California’s licensing practices came under scrutiny following a tragic incident last month involving a truck driver with a limited-term CDL, obtained while illegally residing in the state. The driver, Harjinder Singh, faces charges for vehicular homicide after a reckless maneuver led to three fatalities. This incident has intensified calls for stricter regulations and accountability.
Highlighting the importance of these changes, Duffy urged all governors across the nation to reassess their own non-domiciled CDL systems. He warned, “You do not want the blood of more traffic deaths on your hands, governors,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the necessity for immediate reforms.
As the Transportation Department implements these new rules, the focus remains on ensuring that only qualified and safe drivers operate commercial vehicles. These changes represent a proactive step toward safeguarding public safety and restoring confidence in the licensing process.
