Safer Truckers Act of 2025
The Safer Truckers Act of 2025 would tighten who may be issued a commercial driver’s license (CDL) by amending federal law. Specifically, it would restrict CDL issuance to United States citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals who are authorized by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to engage in employment in the United States that includes driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). In addition, the bill requires states to report on their enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements for CMV drivers, with an initial report due within 180 days of enactment and annual updates thereafter. The overarching aim appears to be to align CDL eligibility with immigration/work authorization status and to enhance language-proficiency oversight as a safety measure. Implementation would occur through changes to Title 49 of the U.S. Code, affecting state licensing practices and reporting to the federal government (the Secretary of transportation). The bill’s language focuses on eligibility for new CDL issuance and ongoing enforcement of language requirements, rather than specifying new penalties or funding mechanisms beyond mandatory reporting.
Key Points
- 1CDL eligibility would be restricted to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, or individuals authorized by USCIS to engage in employment in the United States that includes driving a CMV.
- 2The residency/work-authorization requirement would be added to the existing CDL eligibility criteria in 49 U.S.C. § 31308(1).
- 3States would be required to issue a CDL only to individuals who meet the above eligibility standards (citizen, LPR, or USCIS-authorized employment for CMV driving).
- 4States must report on English-language proficiency enforcement for CMV drivers, referencing the standard in 49 C.F.R. 391.11(b)(2) (or successor regulation).
- 5A reporting schedule is established: initial report due within 180 days after enactment, then annual reports by December 31 each year.