New CDL Bill That Will Set Fines for Carrier Hiring Unqualified Drivers

New Bill Seeks to Tighten CDL Issuance and Employer Accountability for U.S. Trucking

CDL Bill Targets Unqualified Drivers and Carrier Accountability

A new congressional bill could reshape how states issue commercial driver’s licenses and how trucking companies hire drivers. The CDL bill, officially titled the No CDLs for Illegals Act (H.R. 5863), was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-N.J.) on October 28, 2025. The proposal aims to strengthen federal oversight of CDL issuance and penalize trucking companies that knowingly hire drivers who are unqualified or unauthorized to work in the United States.

Stricter Requirements for Drivers in the New CDL Bill

Under H.R. 5863, applicants would face new verification rules before receiving a CDL. The bill would amend both Title 23 and Title 49 of the U.S. Code to ensure all commercial drivers meet federal eligibility and legal presence standards.

The proposal includes several major changes:

• Applicants must provide valid proof of U.S. citizenship, lawful permanent residency, or work authorization.
• States must confirm that each applicant has a legal domicile in the issuing state.
• States would be required to verify non-citizen applicants using the federal Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements (SAVE) database.
• CDLs could be denied if lawful presence cannot be confirmed through that system.
• States that fail to comply with these standards could lose a portion of their federal transportation funding.

These steps are designed to prevent unqualified or undocumented individuals from obtaining a CDL through any state’s licensing system.

Penalties for Trucking Companies

The bill also addresses employer responsibility. Trucking companies that knowingly hire drivers without a valid or compliant CDL could face fines and penalties.

The legislation aims to close gaps that allow carriers to employ drivers whose credentials do not meet federal or state standards. Van Drew said that companies hiring unauthorized drivers “undermine highway safety” and put responsible motor carriers at a disadvantage.

Why Lawmakers Say the CDL Bill Is Needed

Rep. Van Drew said the legislation is about ensuring safety on U.S. highways. In his press release, he stated that operating an 80,000-pound truck requires real training, real skill, and the ability to speak and understand English.

The congressman argues that some states have issued CDLs without verifying lawful presence or domicile. The bill seeks to create a uniform national standard to address that concern.

Industry Reaction to the CDL Proposal

The proposed CDL law has drawn mixed reactions within the trucking industry. Supporters see it as a necessary step to improve safety and compliance. They say it will hold both drivers and employers accountable to the same standard across all states.

Critics, however, worry the measure could complicate the hiring process or create additional delays in licensing. Some carrier groups have also expressed concern about the potential loss of federal funds if states fail to meet the bill’s requirements.

What Happens Next

The CDL bill is currently awaiting review by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. It has not yet moved forward for debate or a vote.

If the legislation advances, states may need to update their CDL systems and verification processes. Trucking companies would also need to review their hiring procedures to ensure compliance with the new law.

Looking Ahead

The No CDLs for Illegals Act could mark one of the most significant updates to CDL regulations in years. For drivers, it would mean stricter proof of eligibility. For carriers, it could bring higher accountability and new compliance costs.

Whether or not it passes, the bill underscores how CDLs remain at the center of ongoing debates about highway safety, immigration enforcement, and fair competition in the trucking industry.