Feds Propose Allowing Teens to Drive Big Rigs Interstate

New pilot program would lower age limit for cross-state commercial trucking.

Apr. 17, 2026 at 3:54pm

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An abstract, blurred image of a semi-truck speeding down a highway, its cab and trailer reduced to vibrant streaks of color, conveying a sense of modern transportation and the challenges facing the trucking industry.A new federal pilot program aims to address the trucking industry's labor shortage by allowing 18-to-20-year-olds to drive large commercial vehicles across state lines.Abilene Today

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is moving forward with a plan to allow teenagers as young as 18 to drive large commercial trucks across state lines as part of a new pilot program, lowering the current minimum age of 21 for interstate trucking.

Why it matters

The trucking industry has faced a severe labor shortage in recent years, with companies struggling to recruit and retain enough qualified drivers. Proponents argue that expanding the pool of eligible drivers to include younger workers could help alleviate these staffing challenges, though critics raise concerns about safety risks of inexperienced teen drivers operating massive commercial vehicles.

The details

Under the proposed pilot program, 18- to 20-year-old drivers would be allowed to operate commercial motor vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds across state lines, provided they complete additional training and meet other safety requirements. The program aims to evaluate the safety performance of these younger drivers compared to the current 21-and-over interstate trucking workforce.

  • The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration first announced plans for the pilot program in 2022.
  • The agency is currently in the public comment period on the proposed rules, which will run through May 2026.

The players

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The U.S. government agency responsible for regulating the trucking industry and commercial motor vehicle safety.

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What they’re saying

“Allowing younger drivers to operate commercial trucks across state lines has the potential to open up new career paths while bolstering our supply chain.”

— Martin Oberman, Chairman, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

“We have serious concerns about the safety risks of putting teenagers behind the wheel of 80,000-pound tractor-trailers on the open road.”

— Debbie Hersman, President, National Safety Council

What’s next

The public comment period on the proposed pilot program rules will close in May 2026, after which the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will review feedback and determine next steps.

The takeaway

This pilot program reflects the trucking industry's urgent need for more drivers, but also raises valid questions about the safety implications of allowing teenagers to operate massive commercial vehicles across state lines. The outcome of this proposal will have significant impacts on the future of the trucking workforce and the transportation of goods throughout the United States.