Texas will stop issuing commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to certain non-citizens after a federal review found the state in “systematic non-compliance” with federal rules on non-domiciled drivers, officials announced this week.
CDLs are mandatory for operating heavy commercial vehicles — including semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, buses, dump trucks, and vehicles transporting hazardous materials — that weigh over 26,000 pounds, carry 16 or more passengers, or haul dangerous goods requiring federal placards.
The move comes after U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean P. Duffy issued an emergency rule change Friday, citing a “troubling series of fatal crashes caused by non-domiciled CDL holders.” The emergency rule stems from a broader review by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which audited state processes for licensing drivers from outside the U.S. or from states with differing driver standards.
The FMCSA found that six states — Texas, California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Washington — were consistently out of compliance.
“What our team has discovered should disturb and anger every American,” Duffy said in a press release. “Licenses to operate a massive, 80,000-pound truck are being issued to dangerous foreign drivers — often times illegally. This is a direct threat to the safety of every family on the road, and I won’t stand for it.”
Duffy issued seven emergency actions designed to tighten eligibility requirements, increase safeguards, and mandate cancellation or revocation of improperly issued licenses. Among these measures is a new requirement that all non-citizens applying for a CDL undergo a federal immigration status check through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database.
On Monday, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) confirmed it would comply, suspending CDL issuance to non-citizens who fall under categories such as refugees, asylum seekers, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. The suspension also extends to commercial learner’s permits (CLPs).
DPS noted it has never issued licenses to asylum seekers lacking proof of lawful presence.
The urgency of the reforms was underscored by a recent fatal crash in Austin. A truck driver, later indicted on 22 charges in Travis County, killed five people and injured several more on Interstate 35. Duffy said a post-crash review revealed “a history of unsafe lane changes, ignoring traffic signs, and multiple violations of service rules” by the non-domiciled driver.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott had already taken steps earlier this month, directing DPS to ensure CDL holders in Texas demonstrate English proficiency. Abbott’s directive follows an executive order from President Donald Trump that reversed prior federal guidance and required stricter enforcement of English standards for commercial drivers. Trump also issued an order on March 1 designating English as the official language of the United States.
The executive order mandates revocation of CDLs for drivers deemed unable to sufficiently read, write, or speak English, with the goal of “enhancing roadway safety.”
“Today’s actions will prevent unsafe foreign drivers from renewing their license and hold states accountable to immediately invalidate improperly issued licenses,” Duffy said Friday.
Gov. Abbott voiced his support on social media Monday:
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