FMCSA Chief Emphasizes Aggressive Approach to CDL Qualifications

New "Dalilah Law" would require recertification of all CDL holders in the U.S.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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FMCSA chief Derek Barrs said the agency is working with Congress on the recently introduced "Dalilah Law," which would codify in law the agency's approach of restricting CDL eligibility for non-U.S. citizens. The bill would also require both CDL skills and knowledge tests to be administered fully in English, and tie state compliance with the rules to federal funding. Barrs emphasized the agency's commitment to an aggressive approach to ensuring CDL driver qualification at the licensing level.

Why it matters

The proposed "Dalilah Law" aims to strengthen FMCSA's existing rules on CDL eligibility for non-citizens and English language proficiency requirements. However, the bill's provision to require recertification of all CDL holders in the U.S. within 180 days raises questions about the feasibility and potential burden on states and truck drivers.

The details

The "Dalilah Law" would codify FMCSA's Final Rule that largely bans CDL eligibility for non-U.S. citizens, except for immigrants with Legal Permanent Resident status or non-immigrants holding certain temporary work visas. The bill would also require both CDL skills and knowledge tests to be administered fully in English, and tie state compliance with the rules to federal funding. Additionally, the bill directs states to undertake a recertification process for all CDL holders, to be completed within 180 days of the law's passage, to verify their eligibility, English proficiency, and that they took the CDL tests in English.

  • The "Dalilah Law" was introduced in the Senate on February 26, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
  • President Trump endorsed the "Dalilah Law" during his State of the Union address on February 25, 2026.

The players

Derek Barrs

The chief of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), who emphasized the agency's aggressive approach to ensuring CDL driver qualification.

Sen. Jim Banks

The senator from Indiana who introduced the "Dalilah Law" in the Senate, with five Republican cosponsors.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who endorsed the "Dalilah Law" during his State of the Union address.

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What they’re saying

“We are working to enhance that. We will work with Congressional staff.”

— Derek Barrs, FMCSA Chief (Overdrive)

“I want to make sure we've got the qualified driver behind the wheel. I'm not going to go into what the final process is going to look like.”

— Derek Barrs, FMCSA Chief (Overdrive)

What’s next

The "Dalilah Law" will undergo further revisions through the Senate committee process, and a version may also be introduced in the House of Representatives.

The takeaway

The proposed "Dalilah Law" reflects FMCSA's commitment to strengthening CDL eligibility requirements, particularly for non-citizens, but the provision to recertify all CDL holders within 180 days raises logistical concerns that will need to be addressed as the legislation moves forward.