Federal Grants Aim to Boost CDL Safety Programs

Federal Grants May Strengthen CDL Safety and Enforcement Programs

The U.S. Department of Transportation has outlined more than $118 million in federal grants that aim to improve CDL oversight, support enforcement programs, and help states upgrade commercial vehicle safety systems. The funds would be distributed through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to state agencies, local authorities, and training programs across the country.

The agency says this funding may help reduce crashes by improving driver training, strengthening CDL security, and supporting new technology in the safety field.

Grants Focus on Enforcement and Technology

A major portion of these federal grants, about $71.6 million, is expected to go toward high-priority safety programs. These include commercial motor vehicle enforcement, technology tools, and education efforts.

According to the agency, the grants may help law enforcement target high-risk areas, identify unsafe vehicles or drivers, and deploy advanced technology to support safety work. The grants could also help improve the management and transport of hazardous materials, since many states depend on federal support to maintain these programs.

Federal Grants to Support CDL System Improvements

Another $43.8 million in federal grants is set aside for the Commercial Driver’s License Program Implementation program. These funds are designed to help states improve the accuracy, security, and integrity of the CDL system.

The agency hopes states will use these grants to modernize data systems, reduce fraud risks, and ensure that commercial drivers meet federal safety standards. This work may include better tools for tracking convictions, faster reporting systems, and more consistent enforcement of CDL rules.

Because CDL oversight varies by state, the agency aims to use these federal grants to bring greater consistency and reliability to the licensing process nationwide.

Federal Grants May Expand Training for Veterans

About $3.4 million will go to Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) programs. These federal grants support schools and organizations that train current and former members of the U.S. Armed Forces.

The agency hopes the funding will help veterans enter the trucking industry with high-quality training that meets federal safety standards. Because many veterans pursue trucking careers after service, these grants may help them transition into the workforce more smoothly.

Federal Grants Aim to Reduce Commercial Vehicle Crashes

The broader goal of these federal grants is to support programs that may reduce crashes involving large trucks and buses. The agency says the new funding could help states:

• Improve enforcement strategies
• Upgrade safety databases
• Strengthen CDL fraud protections
• Support roadside inspections
• Expand technology that flags unsafe vehicles

FMCSA also notes that these grants may help agencies work together more effectively and share safety data across state lines. Better data could allow faster decisions when unsafe drivers or vehicles are identified.

What Happens Next

FMCSA will award these federal grants through its existing competitive process. States and organizations will apply for funding and outline how they plan to use the money to meet safety and regulatory goals.

The agency says it aims to work closely with state partners as funding moves forward. Because the grants target multiple safety issues at once — from training to enforcement — the agency hopes the combined impact will support safer roads for all drivers.