FMCSA Audit Reveals 25% of California's Non-Domiciled CDLs Illegally Issued, Emergency Restrictions Imposed

Washington, D.C. – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced emergency measures to drastically restrict eligibility for non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following a nationwide audit that uncovered widespread irregularities. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy confirmed that more than 25% of non-domiciled CDLs reviewed in California were improperly issued, making the state the "worst offender" in the audit. The new rule, effective immediately, aims to address significant safety concerns stemming from these findings.Secretary Duffy stated on social media, > "California is the worst offender when it comes to trucking licenses, according to @FMCSA’s ongoing audit: more than 25% of non-domiciled CDLs were issued ILLEGALLY! My message to @CAgovernor: You’re putting the safety of your citizens at risk. Fix it NOW." This urgent call to action highlights the severity of the situation.The audit revealed a systemic pattern of states issuing licenses illegally to foreign drivers, often with licenses remaining valid long after the holders' lawful presence in the U.S. expired. The FMCSA linked these issues to a series of at least five fatal crashes since January involving non-domiciled CDL holders, collectively resulting in 12 deaths and 15 injuries. These incidents underscored the "imminent hazard" on America's roadways.Under the new emergency rule, non-citizens will face much stricter requirements for non-domiciled CDLs, including mandatory employment-based visas and federal immigration status checks. The FMCSA has also taken direct enforcement action against California, requiring the state to immediately pause the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs and to identify, revoke, and reissue all non-compliant licenses.California faces severe financial penalties if it fails to comply within 30 days, including the withholding of federal highway funds, starting at nearly $160 million in the first year. Other states, including Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington, were also identified with significant compliance issues. The FMCSA anticipates that approximately 190,000 non-domiciled CDL holders nationwide will exit the industry within two years as their credentials come up for renewal under the new, stricter regulations.