DOT New CDL Rule 2025 Could Sideline 200K Truckers

3 months ago
3Minutes

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a new emergency rule that could take nearly 200,000 truck drivers off the highways. The move targets non-domiciled commercial license holders—drivers who are not permanent U.S. residents. Officials say the rule is meant to fix major problems in the licensing system and reduce deadly accidents.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are about 200,000 non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and another 20,000 learner’s permits in circulation. Under the new rule, drivers must renew their licenses in person every year. Regulators predict nearly 194,000 drivers will not be able to meet the new requirements within the next two years.

California at the Center of the Crackdown

FMCSA found widespread licensing violations in several states, but California was flagged as the worst offender. The state now has 30 days to correct its system or risk losing up to $160 million in federal highway funds.

Investigators discovered California had issued tens of thousands of CDLs to drivers who were not legally eligible. In some cases, licenses were granted for longer than a worker’s legal stay in the U.S., or without checking immigration status at all.

“This licensing system for non-citizens is completely broken,” said DOT official John Duffy, calling it a “national emergency” that required immediate action.

Fatal Crashes Sparked the Rule

The new rule comes after several deadly crashes involving non-domiciled CDL holders. Since January 2025, FMCSA has linked at least five fatal wrecks to these drivers, including crashes in Florida, Texas, and on I-35. Investigators confirmed some of the drivers should never have been licensed.

“What we uncovered should anger every single American,” Duffy said, accusing states of failing to follow even the most basic checks and rules.

What’s Changing

From now on, only drivers with H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visas will be allowed to apply for non-domiciled CDLs. Renewals must be done in person, and licenses will expire either at the end of the driver’s work authorization or after one year—whichever comes first.

FMCSA says these changes could cut the nation’s CDL pool by about 5%, eliminating close to 190,000 drivers.

Will This Slow Down Trucking?

DOT officials don’t think the changes will hurt freight movement. “We have plenty of American drivers ready and willing to step in,” said Duffy.

A recent survey of truckers supports this view, with nearly two-thirds favoring a complete ban on non-domiciled CDLs.

Meanwhile, California—already under fire for failing to enforce English-language rules for truckers—must now conduct a full audit of its CDL program and immediately stop issuing new non-domiciled licenses.