Indiana Passes Bill Cracking Down on Undocumented Truck Drivers

New law aims to improve highway safety by revoking CDLs and imposing fines on undocumented drivers and training schools.

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The Indiana legislature has passed a bill that would make the state the first in the nation to hold undocumented truck drivers accountable. The bill allows the Indiana BMV to revoke CDLs held by undocumented immigrants and requires CDL applicants to demonstrate proficiency in English. It also imposes hefty fines on in-state CDL academies that knowingly train someone whose legal status has expired and on trucking companies that employ undocumented drivers.

Why it matters

This legislation is aimed at improving highway safety in Indiana by ensuring that commercial vehicle operators are properly licensed and trained. The state sees this as a necessary step to address concerns about undocumented truck drivers who may lack the necessary skills and qualifications to operate large vehicles safely on public roads.

The details

The bill, HB 1200, was authored by State Rep. Jim Pressel (R-Rolling Prairie) and sponsored in the Senate by Majority Whip Michael Crider (R-Greenfield). It allows the Indiana BMV to revoke CDLs held by undocumented immigrants and requires CDL applicants to demonstrate English proficiency. The bill also imposes a $50,000 penalty on in-state CDL academies that knowingly train someone whose legal status has expired, as well as a $50,000 fine on trucking companies, regardless of their location, that employ undocumented drivers.

  • The Indiana legislature will vote on the bill on Friday, the last day of the 2026 legislative session.
  • Earlier this week, Sen. Jim Banks (R-Indiana) introduced 'Dalilah's Law' at the federal level, which would ban all states from issuing CDLs to undocumented immigrants.

The players

Jim Pressel

State Representative (R-Rolling Prairie) and author of HB 1200.

Michael Crider

State Senator (R-Greenfield) and Senate sponsor of HB 1200.

Jon E. Smithers

Major, Commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division.

Gary Langston

President/CEO of the Indiana Motor Truck Association.

Jim Banks

U.S. Senator (R-Indiana) who introduced 'Dalilah's Law' at the federal level.

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What they’re saying

“We are going to lead on this and make our highways safer for all.”

— Jim Pressel, State Representative (R-Rolling Prairie) (fox59.com)

“This gives us an opportunity to address and ensure that people operating the largest vehicles on the road are doing so, that they're qualified in doing so and are well-trained.”

— Jon E. Smithers, Major, Commander of the Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (fox59.com)

“Passing this legislation will immediately and directly impact every motorist on the highway, not just in Indiana but across the nation.”

— Gary Langston, President/CEO of the Indiana Motor Truck Association (fox59.com)

“We need real accountability and a major overhaul of the system.”

— Jim Banks (fox59.com)

What’s next

Lawmakers will vote on the bill on Friday, the last day of the 2026 legislative session. If passed, the law would make Indiana the first state in the nation to hold undocumented truck drivers accountable.

The takeaway

This legislation represents a significant step by Indiana to address concerns about undocumented truck drivers and improve highway safety. By revoking CDLs, requiring English proficiency, and imposing hefty fines, the state aims to ensure that commercial vehicle operators are properly licensed and trained, which could have ripple effects across the country.