An undocumented truck driver accused of causing a fatal accident in Florida had failed his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test ten times over a span of two months before finally obtaining his license in Washington state earlier this year, according to information obtained by Fox News from a high-ranking official in the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
Harjinder Singh, who illegally crossed the U.S. southern border in 2018, has been charged in connection with a tragic collision in Fort Pierce, Florida, this past August that resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
According to the Florida Attorney General’s Office, Singh repeatedly failed his CDL knowledge tests in Washington state, attempting the exam ten times between March 10 and May 5, 2023. Additionally, he did not pass the air brakes knowledge exam on two occasions.
Despite language barriers, the Washington-based company responsible for Singh’s CDL training certified his English proficiency, which is a requirement for obtaining a CDL. Washington state subsequently issued Singh his first CDL, which was later followed by another license from California.
Body camera footage reveals Harjinder Singh holding paperwork as he is issued a speeding ticket by a New Mexico State Police officer during a traffic stop on July 3.
The bodycam video released in August highlights Singh’s difficulty with English during a traffic stop in New Mexico a month before the fatal crash—a significant aspect of the ongoing investigation.
The footage shows Singh being stopped by a New Mexico State Police officer on July 3 for allegedly driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone.
Singh appeared apologetic as he received a ticket. He communicated clearly at first, but after signing paperwork and preparing to leave, the officer struggled to understand him.
A new mugshot provided by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office of Harjinder Singh, who was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Singh, an illegal immigrant commercial truck driver, is facing charges after three people were killed in a crash after he allegedly made an illegal U-turn on a Florida interstate Aug. 12. (St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office)
Officials investigating the wreck in Florida said Singh failed English and road sign tests. He’s accused of jackknifing his 18-wheeler during an illegal U-turn, causing a van to smash into the side of the semi, leaving three people dead.
Last week, the Florida AG’s office sued California and Washington in a Supreme Court filing to prevent both states from issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants. The lawsuit accuses the states of failing to comply with federal safety and immigration status requirements.
Harjinder Singh, 28, was arrested after allegedly making an unauthorized U-turn in Florida that resulted in a crash that left three people dead, officials said. (St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office)
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Oct. 15 that many big rig drivers fail to meet English language requirements — a problem his department is now targeting.
“I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements or the checks stop coming,” Duffy said. “California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road.”
The announcement followed the Trump administration’s decision to withhold more than $40 million in federal highway safety funds from California for failing to enforce federal English proficiency standards for truckers.
