Florida Wants Reckoning for CA & WA CDL Negligence

Florida Attorney General Urges DOT to Revoke CDL Programs in California and Washington

Fatal Florida Crash Sparks Federal Request

Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has asked the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to revoke commercial driver’s license (CDL) programs in California and Washington. He also requested that related federal funding be withheld.

The request comes after a fatal crash on Florida’s Turnpike on August 12, 2025. A semi-truck made an illegal U-turn at a restricted access point. A minivan collided with the trailer, killing three people.

Investigators Cite Truck Driver Licensing Concerns

Authorities identified the truck driver as Harjinder Singh. Investigators reported that Singh was in the country illegally. They also said he could not speak English and failed a language test.

According to investigators, Singh answered only two of twelve questions correctly. He was able to identify only one of four road signs. Federal law requires that truck drivers with CDLs understand English and recognize traffic signs.

Despite these rules, Washington issued Singh a CDL in 2023. California later issued him a non-domiciled CDL in 2024.

Florida AG’s Letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary

Attorney General Uthmeier sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. In it, he asked DOT to expand a federal audit of CDL licensing. That audit currently focuses on non-domiciled CDLs.

Uthmeier asked that the audit also include regular CDLs. He further requested that FMCSA decertify the CDL programs in California and Washington if violations are confirmed. Decertification could trigger financial penalties, including the loss of some federal highway funds.

Florida Expands Roadside Enforcement of Truck Drivers

The announcement was made at an agricultural interdiction station on Interstate 10. Florida officials said the state will increase inspections at its 23 agricultural checkpoints.

The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) recently certified all of its officers under the federal 287(g) program. These officers now work with immigration authorities, checking truck driver documents, testing for English proficiency, and continuing agricultural inspections.

FDACS Commissioner Wilton Simpson explained that the interdiction stations will help identify unsafe vehicles, fraudulent documents, and human smuggling. He also noted that these facilities are different from Florida Department of Transportation weigh stations.

Officials Comment on Truck Driver Safety

“The crash on the Florida Turnpike tragically took the lives of three Floridians and was a completely preventable consequence of illegal immigration and sanctuary-state policies. It is also a reminder of why the work of our law enforcement community to combat illegal immigration is so critical,” said Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson.

“By leveraging our agricultural inspection stations and 287(g) certified officers, we are working hand in hand with state and federal partners to identify dangerous drivers, enforce immigration laws, and combat criminal activity,” said FDACS Office of Agricultural Law Enforcement Colonel Rick “Lee” Adams Jr.

Federal Agencies Support Florida Enforcement Measures

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) praised the expanded enforcement role in Florida. “By targeting criminal illegal aliens who undermine the safety and integrity of U.S. immigration laws, the 287(g) program strengthens homeland security,” said ICE Acting Executive Associate Director Garrett Ripa.

The U.S. Border Patrol also commented on the efforts. “The Miami Sector Border Patrol is committed to working with our partners to ensure our enforcement efforts provide the safety and security the State of Florida and the American people deserve,” said Deputy Chief Samuel Briggs II.

Florida References Federal Guidance Already in Place

In early 2025, DOT issued guidance that requires drivers who fail English proficiency tests to be placed out of service. The agency also began reviewing irregularities in non-domiciled CDLs.

Florida officials said Uthmeier asked for this review to include all CDL types. He also requested penalties for states that fail to comply with federal law.

How CDL Program Changes Could Affect Truck Drivers

If California or Washington lose authority to issue CDLs, the impact could spread across the trucking industry. Both states are home to major ports, farms, and freight corridors.

Revoking CDL programs would not immediately cancel existing licenses. But it could slow the process for new truck drivers entering the workforce. Carriers may also face delays in verifying licenses issued by those states.

Funding penalties could also delay highway projects. That may indirectly affect truck drivers and freight movement. California, with its large port system, could see disruptions ripple through national supply chains. Washington, with its agricultural exports and trade routes, could face similar effects.

Next Steps

The Florida Attorney General’s office stated that Singh will face legal consequences for the August 12 crash. Officials said he could serve a prison term before any deportation proceedings.

Federal officials at DOT have not yet issued a response. The outcome of the audit and FMCSA’s review will determine whether California and Washington face penalties or CDL program decertification.

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