Summary
The U.S. Transportation Department plans to make it tougher for immigrants to get commercial driver's licenses after some crashes were linked to unqualified drivers. New rules will allow only certain visa holders to apply, and licenses will be valid for a maximum of one year. States must ensure compliance or face losing federal funding.
Key Facts
- New rules limit commercial driver's licenses to certain visa types: H-2a, H-2b, and E-2.
- States must verify applicants' immigration status through a federal database.
- Licenses for noncitizens will be valid for up to one year or until the visa expires.
- The Transportation Department initiated these changes after crashes in Florida, Texas, and Alabama.
- California may lose $160 million in federal funding if it doesn't audit and adjust its license program.
- Previous threats involved pulling funds over states not enforcing English proficiency rules for truckers.
- The changes won't affect existing licenses until they are up for renewal.
- Only about 5% of all commercial licenses are held by noncitizens affected by the new rules.
