Transportation Department tightens non-citizen truck driver rules after fatal crash in Florida
Share this @internewscast.com

The Transportation Department is set to immediately tighten the requirements for non-citizens obtaining commercial drivers licenses following three fatal incidents this year, which officials attribute to immigrant truck drivers who should not have received licenses.

A nationwide review of these licenses started after a deadly U-turn crash in Florida, killing two, caused by a truck driver reportedly in the country illegally. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy cited additional fatal crashes earlier this year in Texas and Alabama, attributed to truck drivers lacking proper licenses.

Duffy also warned California of losing $160 million in federal funds because investigators revealed that out of the 145 commercial licenses for non-citizens issued since June, a quarter were granted improperly. California has 30 days to audit its program and propose compliance plans or face funding cuts.

Duffy highlighted the insufficiency of current rules and noted that several states are not adhering to them. The audit uncovered improperly issued licenses in California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington.

“We have a government system designed to keep American families on the road safe. But that system has been compromised,” Duffy said.

In the past, Duffy also threatened to withdraw federal funding from California, Washington, and New Mexico for not enforcing the newly established English proficiency requirements for truckers. The Transportation Department continues to assess the responses from these states.

All states must pause issuing commercial drivers licenses to non-citizens until they can comply with the new rules.

Officials note that under the new rules, around 190,000 of the 200,000 non-citizens holding these commercial licenses wouldn’t qualify for one, although existing licenses will remain valid as rules aren’t retroactive. Moving forward, only applicants with an H-2a, H-2b, or E-2 visa can obtain a commercial driver’s license, with an employment authorization document alone no longer sufficient.

The Florida crash drew outrage from President Donald Trump and Duffy and inspired a political fight between the governors of Florida and California. It also put Sikh truck drivers in the crossfire because the truck driver in the Florida crash is a member of that faith.

On August 12, Harjinder Singh made the illegal turn from northbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike about 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of West Palm Beach, the Florida Highway Patrol said. A minivan that was traveling behind him was unable to avoid the truck’s trailer, which blocked the northbound lanes.

Two passengers in the minivan died at the scene and the driver died at a hospital. Singh and a passenger in his truck were not injured.

Singh lived in California but he was originally issued a commercial driver’s license in Washington before California issued him a license later. The fallout from the crash fueled a verbal tussle between California Gov. Gavin Newsom and the Trump administration.

Singh is charged with three state counts of vehicular homicide and immigration violations. The federal government has asked that he be transferred to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement custody after his criminal case is complete.

Singh faces an arraignment hearing Monday on charges of vehicular homicide and manslaughter, according to court records in St. Lucie County, Florida.

Singh has retained a private lawyer, Natalie Knight-Tai, to represent him, records show.

___

Associated Press Writer Jeff Martin contributed to this report.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
WATCH: Trump Announces He's Awarding the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Olympic Hockey Hero

WATCH: Trump to Bestow Presidential Medal of Freedom on Olympic Hockey Legend

What a whirlwind 72 hours it has been for the U.S. men’s…
Cruise operators to skip Mexican ports over cartel violence

Why Major Cruise Lines Are Steering Clear of Mexican Ports Amid Cartel Chaos

Several major U.S. cruise lines are rerouting their ships away from popular…
Being average celebrated in 'Greatest Average American' game show on ABC, hosted by Nate Bargatze

ABC Introduces “Greatest Average American” Game Show with Host Nate Bargatze

NEW YORK — Ever wondered where you stand on the spectrum of…
A mob blocks a police cruiser at a street takeover as smoke bombs explode in the background.

Dramatic Footage Captures Masked Individuals Assaulting Police Vehicle with Officer Inside Amid Unauthorized Street Takeover

A dramatic video has emerged depicting masked individuals brazenly assaulting a police…
Meet the Democrat who will be a designated survivor at Trump's State of the Union

Unveiling the Designated Survivor: Meet the Democrat Set to Shape History at Trump’s State of the Union

WASHINGTON — As President Trump prepares to deliver his State of the…
Reports: Person held for questioning in Nancy Guthrie case released without charges

New Clues in Nancy Guthrie Case: Suspect’s Possible Prior Visit Uncovered, Yet Key Photo Evidence Lacks Timestamp

The quest for answers surrounding the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie took another…
Venezuelan political prisoner Enrique Márquez held in Maduro's infamous jail reunited with niece during State of the Union 2026

Venezuelan Political Detainee Enrique Márquez Reunites with Niece at 2026 State of the Union Address After Detainment in Notorious Maduro Prison

In a dramatic moment during his State of the Union address, President…
Chicago man Andrew Anania sentenced in kidnapping, sexually assaulting drivers at gunpoint; Walter Moran also convicted

Day Care Scandal in Des Plaines: Two Workers Accused of Child Abuse at A Mother’s Touch

In Des Plaines, Illinois, two employees of a day care center are…
Postal Service can't be sued for intentionally not delivering mail, Supreme Court rules in 5-4 split

Supreme Court Ruling Shields Postal Service from Lawsuits Over Intentional Mail Delivery Failures: A 5-4 Decision

The United States Supreme Court has determined that the U.S. Postal Service…
Trump admin sues University of California for allegedly fostering hostile workplace for Jewish employees

Trump Administration Takes Legal Action Against University of California Over Alleged Anti-Semitic Workplace Environment

The Trump administration has taken legal action against the University of California…
Louvre Museum director resigns in wake of brazen October crown jewel heist in Paris

Louvre Museum Director Steps Down Amidst Shocking October Crown Jewel Heist Scandal in Paris

The director of the Louvre Museum has stepped down, bringing an end…
Defiant Zelensky refuses to give Putin land on war's fourth anniversary, says no deadline for Trump peace deal

Zelensky Stands Firm: No Land Concessions to Putin as Ukraine Conflict Enters Fourth Year, Trump’s Peace Deal Timeline Unclear

KYIV, Ukraine — As the conflict between Ukraine and Russia marks its…