The Freedom Haulers Act extends the existing waiver period for military service members seeking a commercial driver's license from 12 to 24 months after separation. It requires states to waive specific knowledge and driving tests for current or former military personnel who held designated vehicle operator roles, such as motor transport operators or fuelers, within the last two years. To qualify, applicants must certify they have operated comparable commercial vehicles during that period and maintain a clean record with no serious traffic violations, license suspensions, or at-fault crashes. The bill also mandates waivers for specialized endorsements related to passenger transport, tank vehicles, and hazardous materials, provided the applicant meets similar service and safety criteria.
This bill requires states to verify that applicants for driver's licenses, commercial licenses, and state ID cards have lawful presence in the United States before issuing them. To enforce this, the legislation mandates that states use approved methods to electronically validate biometric data, conduct background checks, and cross-reference tax and social security records with federal agencies. If a state fails to implement and enforce these verification procedures by October 1, 2026, the federal government will withhold 10% of the state's transportation funding until compliance is achieved. Any withheld funds are then redistributed proportionally to states that have met the new requirements. The bill does not alter existing REAL ID standards but adds a specific layer of immigration status verification to the licensing process.
The UBER Act establishes new federal requirements for ride-sharing and shared-transportation companies to receive government contracts. To qualify, every driver must be at least 21 years old, hold a valid license from a single state, pass a road test, and demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to communicate with the public and read traffic signs, with an exception for drivers who use American Sign Language. Companies that fail to certify that all their drivers meet these standards will be banned from federal contracts for five years.
The SAFER Transport Act aims to combat freight fraud and theft and enhance regulatory integrity for motor carriers, brokers, freight forwarders, and commercial drivers. It phases out the use of MC numbers, mandating a unified USDOT number system with new provisions to detect fraudulent activity and withhold or revoke registrations for felony convictions or material misrepresentations. The bill also establishes an advisory committee and inter-agency coordination to address freight theft, while strengthening commercial driver's license (CDL) requirements for non-citizens and increasing oversight of
This bill, known as Dalilah's Law Act, prohibits individuals with certain immigration statuses from obtaining or using commercial driver's licenses in interstate commerce. It requires state officials to verify an applicant's employment eligibility through E-Verify before issuing such licenses and imposes criminal penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences for accidents causing injury or death. The legislation also establishes civil penalties for businesses that assist in violations and allows victims of accidents caused by these drivers to sue for triple damages. Additionally, it adds the use of commercial licenses by these individuals as an aggravated felony and grounds for deportation under immigration law.
This bill would restrict the issuance of commercial driver's licenses to only U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and holders of specific work visas. It requires states to verify the citizenship or visa status of current CDL holders within 180 days of enactment and revoke licenses from those who do not meet these requirements. States that fail to comply with these verification and revocation deadlines would face federal funding penalties. Additionally, the bill mandates that all CDL testing and licensing processes be conducted in English.
This bill, known as the Dalilah Law, would restrict commercial driver's licenses to U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and holders of specific work visas. It requires states to verify the citizenship or visa status of all CDL applicants and renewals within 180 days of enactment, while also mandating English language proficiency testing for all license holders. States that fail to enforce these requirements or issue licenses to ineligible individuals risk losing federal transportation funding. The law also imposes lifetime disqualifications for operating commercial vehicles without proper immigration status.
HR 5525, the Stop DC CAMERA Act, repeals two specific traffic enforcement provisions in Washington D.C. law. It removes the District's authority to use automated traffic enforcement systems (like red-light cameras) and to erect signage prohibiting right turns at red lights. This bill directly affects D.C. traffic enforcement policies and drivers who would be subject to those specific enforcement methods. The legislation makes a concrete policy change by eliminating these two existing enforcement tools from D.C. traffic regulations.
HR 2788, the End DWI Act of 2025, requires states to mandate ignition interlock devices for drivers convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) for a minimum of 180 days. States that fail to implement this requirement risk losing 3% of federal highway funds in 2027 and 5% annually thereafter. The bill directly affects states (by tying funding to policy compliance) and DWI offenders (who must use interlock devices to regain driving privileges). Key provisions include a national standard for interlock use, defined exceptions (like employer vehicles), and mechanisms for restoring withheld funds once states comply.
HR 5800, the SAFE Drivers Act, requires commercial driver's license (CDL) applicants and renewers to pass a standardized English proficiency test approved by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The test assesses reading road signs, understanding emergency communications, and writing required documentation - critical for safety in commercial driving. States must administer the test through their DMVs, report pass rates annually to the FMCSA, and face potential federal funding cuts if they fail to comply. The law applies to all new CDL issuances or renewals starting 12 months after enactment, directly affecting commercial drivers seeking or maintaining their licenses.
