Trump Administration Moves to Bar Unvetted Foreign Drivers from U.S. Trucking

New DOT rule aims to close safety loophole that allowed dangerous, unqualified foreign nationals to obtain commercial driver's licenses

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Trump administration has finalized a major safety reform that blocks unvetted foreign nationals from obtaining commercial driver's licenses in the United States. The new rule, issued under President Trump's direction, bars states from licensing truck and bus drivers whose driving histories cannot be verified through consular or interagency screening. Federal officials say this 'safety loophole' has put dangerous, unqualified drivers behind the wheel of large commercial vehicles and contributed to a series of deadly crashes nationwide.

Why it matters

For years, a loophole in the commercial driver's license system has allowed foreign nationals with unknown or dangerous driving histories to legally operate heavy trucks and buses in the U.S., putting public safety at risk. This new rule aims to close that gap by requiring enhanced vetting and screening to ensure only qualified, authorized drivers are on the road.

The details

The final rule issued by the Department of Transportation limits CDL eligibility to certain nonimmigrant visa holders who undergo additional interagency vetting. It also eliminates the use of Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) as proof of eligibility and mandates that states verify each applicant's lawful immigration status through the Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) system. Federal officials say these reforms will stop unqualified foreign drivers from obtaining or maintaining commercial driving permits.

  • On February 14, 2025, a non-domiciled driver triggered a multi-vehicle crash inside a tunnel on I-80 in Wyoming, resulting in three fatalities and 20 injuries.
  • On August 12, 2025, a non-domiciled driver caused a crash killing three people on the Florida Turnpike after attempting an illegal U-turn.
  • On October 21, 2025, a non-domiciled driver failed to stop for traffic on a California highway, causing a collision involving eight vehicles that killed three people.
  • On December 3, 2025, a non-domiciled driver collided with a train at a marked crossing in Ontario, California, killing a crew member.

The players

Sean P. Duffy

U.S. Transportation Secretary who announced the new rule and said it "ends a safety loophole that has wreaked havoc on our roadways."

Derek D. Barrs

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator who stated "If we cannot verify your safe driving history, you cannot hold a CDL in this country."

Donald Trump

The former U.S. President who directed the Department of Transportation to implement this safety reform.

Gavin Newsom

The Governor of California who defied federal orders to remove non-domiciled drivers from the state's highways.

Greg Abbott

The Governor of Texas who ordered strict enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers in his state.

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What they’re saying

“For far too long, America has allowed dangerous foreign drivers to abuse our truck licensing systems – wreaking havoc on our roadways. This safety loophole ends today.”

— Sean P. Duffy, U.S. Transportation Secretary

“A critical safety gap allowed unqualified drivers with unknown driving histories to get behind the wheel of commercial vehicles. We are closing that gap today to ensure that only qualified, vetted drivers are operating on our nation's roadways.”

— Derek D. Barrs, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Administrator

“While liberal states like California issue licenses to illegal immigrants and risk the lives of Americans, Texas will work with our federal partners to maintain safe roads and apprehend illegal immigrants to protect our communities.”

— Greg Abbott, Governor of Texas

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This new DOT rule marks a major crackdown on the dangerous practice of allowing unvetted foreign nationals to obtain commercial driver's licenses in the U.S. By closing this safety loophole, the Trump administration aims to ensure that only qualified, authorized drivers are operating large commercial vehicles on America's roadways.