FMCSA News Updates

DOT Secretary Sean Duffy has accused California of having the most “egregious” licensing situation of any state, with 25% of its non-domiciled CDLs in violation of federal rules.

Members of Congress are urging DOT to investigate so-called CDL mills and enforce English proficiency rules as part of broader efforts to improve driver training and highway safety.

Sponsored primarily by Rep. Pat Harrigan (R-N.C.), the SAFE Drivers Act is meant to guarantee commercial drivers have a proficient understanding of English.

Secretary Sean Duffy is turning up the heat on California after another truck driver holding a non-domiciled CDL issued by the state was involved in a fatal crash. But California is pushing back.

A truck driver accused of being under the influence and causing a fiery crash that killed three people on a California freeway is in the country illegally, U.S. Homeland Security officials said.

New Mexico, Washington and California were warned by DOT Secretary Sean Duffy to enforce English-language proficiency regulations or face withholding of up to 100% of the funds.

“California does require ELP and tests for it as a condition of receiving a CDL, and you can read that for yourself,” California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a social media post.

States are detailing their responses to a U.S. Department of Transportation edict to restrict access to commercial driver licenses and permits for non-domiciled drivers.

The Senate on Oct. 7 confirmed Barrs to manage the nation’s trucking regulatory agency even as the federal government remained locked in a partial shutdown.

Three states recently ramped up enforcement in response to renewed U.S. Department of Transportation attention to English-language proficiency issues.