DOT Closes Dangerous Loophole in Trucking Licensing

Closing the Gate on Unqualified Drivers

On February 12, 2026, the Department of Transportation (DOT) took a significant leap towards improving road safety by officially closing a loophole that had allowed unlicensed and unqualified commercial drivers to operate on American highways. This change comes in the wake of a series of deadly crashes involving these drivers, particularly illegal immigrants, who exploited the system for far too long.

“For far too long, America has allowed dangerous foreign drivers to abuse our truck licensing systems – wreaking havoc on our roadways. This safety loophole ends today,” stated U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.

The Dangers of Unverified Driving Histories

The reform prevents individuals with just a work permit from obtaining a commercial trucking license. Previously, Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) failed to provide any insight into a driver's history, encompassing past traffic violations or accidents from foreign countries. Consequently, this gap in verification enabled unsafe practices among foreign drivers.

As Duffy emphasized, this reform formalizes emergency actions taken earlier, which halted the issuance of commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to those with unverified histories. The urgency is underscored by the alarming statistics gathered from the past year: at least 30 people lost their lives in 17 crashes attributed to non-domiciled drivers. This tragic toll highlights the necessity for stringent checks before granting licenses.

Implementation of New Regulations

According to the new guidelines, State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) must validate driving histories for all applicants before issuing CDLs. This means no more relying solely on EADs, which the DOT has noted were used by over 30 states to unlawfully issue licenses to ineligible drivers. Without an effective screening mechanism for foreign drivers, this reform is crucial for enhancing the safety of American roads.

The DOT has clarified that while national databases allow states to check U.S. drivers for criminal histories, they lacked access to records concerning foreign drivers, creating a dangerous oversight.

Specific Changes Under the New Rule

The new regulations stipulate that applicants must provide an unexpired foreign passport alongside the necessary Form I-94, which tracks noncitizen entry and exit from the U.S. Only foreign nationals holding legal temporary work visas—like H-2B or H-1B—are eligible for a CDL. Additionally, states are now required to verify each applicant's lawful immigration status through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system.

The DOT's stringent measures aim to dissolve worries surrounding road safety, particularly following grim incidents where unqualified drivers were behind the wheel. Duffy connected these regulatory changes directly to the collateral damage experienced by families, bringing attention to the victims, including a young girl left with lasting injuries from a crash involving an illegal immigrant driving a commercial vehicle.

Enhancing Road Safety and Accountability

This overhaul is part of a broader initiative undertaken by the Trump administration to reinforce safety on the roads. Additional steps, such as enforcing English language proficiency among drivers, showcase a holistic approach to tackling the trucking crisis.

As Duffy remarked, “We are putting the safety of the driving public first.” The timeline for these changes is set, with the new rule expected to take effect around March 15, 2026.

A Looking Glass into Federal Regulations

The legislation marks a vital moment in federal transportation policy, not just for commercial drivers, but for every motorist on the road. By breaking down barriers that allowed unqualified drivers to obtain licenses, the DOT signals a commitment to safe transportation practices. Moreover, it raises a critical question: how thoroughly should federal laws scrutinize applicants seeking to operate hazardous commercial vehicles on our roads?

Conclusion: Safer Roads Ahead

The closure of this loophole signifies a transformative step towards a safer trucking environment in the U.S., demonstrating that regulatory measures can lead to more responsible practices and reduced risks on our highways.