The U. S. Department of Transportation has implemented new regulations to close a safety loophole that allowed illegal immigrants to obtain commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) without a verified driving history. This change aims to enhance road safety by ensuring that only qualified drivers can operate large commercial vehicles.
1. Safety Vulnerability Closed: The loophole permitted illegal immigrant drivers to receive CDLs, causing safety concerns on highways. The Department of Transportation's new regulation prevents unqualified foreign drivers from getting these licenses.
2. Eligibility Requirements: Applicants must now present an unexpired foreign passport and Form I-94, which verifies their legal entry into the U. S. Only foreign nationals with temporary work visas (like H-1B or H-2B) can qualify.
3. Previous Issues: The prior system allowed at least 30 states to issue CDLs to ineligible drivers, leading to serious accidents and fatalities related to unverified driving histories. Reports indicated that at least 30 lives were lost in accidents caused by these drivers in 2025.
4. Future Enforcement: The rule, reflecting an emergency action taken last September, will be effective by March 15. Officials emphasized the importance of verifying driving histories to improve overall road safety.
This new regulation is part of a broader effort to ensure only qualified drivers operate commercial vehicles, prioritizing the safety of all road users. The Transportation Secretary stressed that the U. S. will no longer permit unqualified drivers to endanger public safety on highways.
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