Indiana has begun enforcing a new law that restricts who can hold a commercial driver’s license, requiring non-citizens to provide documentation proving legal residency in order to keep or obtain a CDL.
The law officially took affect April 1, and state officials say enforcement has already resulted in the revocation of approximately 1,800 commercial driver’s licenses statewide. Under the policy, individuals who cannot verify legal residency status are no longer eligible to hold a CDL in Indiana.
In addition to residency requirements, the law mandates that all commercial driver training programs and licensing exams in Indiana be conducted in English only. State officials say the change is intended to improve safety and ensure consistency in licensing standards.
The policy follows a series of fatal crashes involving commercial trucks in Indiana. State officials have linked those incidents to concerns over licensing and documentation. Federal authorities, including the Department of Homeland Security, have said the individuals involved in those crashes were in the country illegally.
Indiana’s law also aligns with new federal transportation guidance issued earlier this year. In February, Sean Duffy announced that commercial driver’s license knowledge and skills testing must be conducted in English nationwide, a move federal officials say is aimed at improving roadway safety.
“Some of these commercial driver’s license schools, some of them don’t even have a curriculum,” Duffy said. “So, what this actually is is a CDL mill where you can pay $800 or $1,000 and you don’t get any training and they just certify that you have gone through the schooling requirements.”
Federal regulators have also taken action beyond Indiana. Authorities say thousands of CDL training providers across the country have been identified or removed for failing to meet federal compliance and safety standards.
Supporters of the law argue the changes strengthen public safety and bring Indiana in line with federal expectations for commercial drivers. Critics, however, say the policy could impact the trucking workforce and raise concerns about access to licensing.
State officials say enforcement of the law is ongoing and that additional license reviews may continue as agencies work to ensure compliance.
