Federal Government Tightens Regulations for Non-Citizen Truckers

According to a report from the Insurance Journal, the federal government is moving to tighten regulations for non-citizen truck drivers that operate in interstate commerce. Notably, the Department of Transportation (DOT) is threatening federal funding to states that do not comply. Here, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident attorney provides a more detailed overview of the new federal regulations for non-citizen truckers.

What to Know About Updated Regulations for Non-Citizen Truck Drivers

The DOT has issued an interim final rule limiting the issuance and renewal of commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for non-citizens. In doing so, the federal agency safety risks and alleged licensing abuses at the state level. Non-citizens will now only be eligible if they hold one of three specific visa categories: H-2A, H-2B, or E-2. Further, non-citizen truckers must undergo annual in-person renewal with federal immigration status verification. Reuters estimates that nearly 200,000 truck drivers nationwide may end up losing their CDL due to the regulations. CDLs are issued in the state. However, the DOT warns that states that fail to comply with its regulations will be at risk of losing a substantial portion of federal highway funding. Here are some key points to know about the new DOT rules for noncitizen truck drivers:

Only Certain Visa Holders Can Now Drive Commercial Trucks: Under the new rules, only non-citizens with H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visas are eligible for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). Before, more visa categories allowed drivers to qualify. The change means many foreign-born drivers who legally lived and worked in the U.S. may lose their licenses.
States Must Comply or Risk Losing Federal Funding: The DOT is requiring all states to adopt these new restrictions. As noted, states that fail to comply risk losing significant amounts of federal highway funding. That gives federal regulators major leverage to enforce the policy nationwide.
Many Drivers are Set to Lose their Licenses Soon: There are nearly 200,000 non-citizen truckers nationwide, including many of them who are in Florida, who are at risk of losing their CDL. It could be a big change for the trucking industry.

There is a major legal fight expected over the DOL’s new non-citizen trucker regulation. The DOT has implemented the non-citizen CDL restrictions as an emergency/interim final rule. That means that it is effective immediately. It also means that states must pause issuance of non-domiciled CDLs until they can comply with the new federal requirements. Because the rule was adopted under emergency authority, it is particularly vulnerable to legal challenge. Several states are considering action to try to get an injunction to stop the regulation.

Set Up a Free Case Review With a West Palm Beach Semi Crash Lawyer

At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach truck accident attorney fights aggressively to help victims get justice and the maximum compensation. If you were hurt in a truck crash, we are here as a resource. Call us now for a free, no obligation case evaluation. From our West Palm Beach office, our firm fights for justice for victims all across Southeastern Florida.

Source:

insurancejournal.com/news/southeast/2025/09/29/840913.htm