The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) is intensifying its crackdown on states that improperly issue non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), and Pennsylvania is now at the center of the scrutiny. Federal officials have warned the state that it could lose $75 million in federal highway funds and even face decertification of its CDL program if it does not correct what regulators describe as serious compliance failures.
According to a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) audit, Pennsylvania issued thousands of non-domiciled CDLs without properly verifying legal residency or following federal rules. These errors included:
- Issuing CDLs with expiration dates extending beyond a driver’s authorized stay in the U.S.
- Failing to require adequate proof of lawful presence before issuing a CDL
To address these issues, DOT is ordering Pennsylvania to take swift corrective action, including:
- Pausing all new, renewed, transferred, or upgraded non-domiciled CDLs/CLPs
- Conducting a full internal audit to identify improperly issued licenses
- Voiding or rescinding all noncompliant licenses and removing unqualified drivers from the road
A High-Profile Case Raises Alarms
DOT has linked the flawed licensing process to public safety concerns. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted the arrest of Akhror Bozorov, an Uzbek national wanted for ties to a terrorist organization, who was found holding a Pennsylvania-issued non-domiciled CDL.
Bozorov illegally entered the U.S. in 2023, yet received a CDL after Pennsylvania checked his information against the SAVE federal immigration database, which showed him as authorized at the time. Gov. Josh Shapiro defended the state’s process, insisting Pennsylvania followed federal verification rules and relied on the federal government’s own database.
Why Non-Domiciled CDLs Are Under Fire
Non-domiciled CDLs are intended for individuals legally allowed to work in the U.S. but who do not permanently reside in the state issuing the license—often foreign workers with temporary visas.
These licenses came under new scrutiny after a fatal crash in Florida involving an immigrant driver making an illegal U-turn. Soon after, the DOT issued an emergency interim final rule to tighten oversight, requiring:
- Employment-based visas
- Mandatory federal immigration checks
- Stricter documentation procedures
A nationwide audit revealed widespread non-compliance across multiple states, prompting FMCSA to take action.
Court Challenges and Ongoing Federal Pressure
In November, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit temporarily stayed the new emergency rule, meaning states may continue issuing non-domiciled CDLs under prior regulations—except in states under corrective action, such as California and now potentially Pennsylvania.
Despite the stay, FMCSA has made it clear that corrective action plans remain fully in force. States considered noncompliant must still meet federal demands, audits, and revocations, regardless of pending litigation.
Transportation experts note that Pennsylvania’s response in the coming weeks will determine whether it faces funding losses or further federal enforcement.
Source:
https://www.truckinginfo.com/10251033/dot-targets-pennsylvania-for-non-domiciled-cdls
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