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🚛 FMCSA Makes Ruling on Non-Domiciled CDLs

The FMCSA has finalized a rule closing what they call a major loophole in the CDL system, one that a lot of people have said allowed thousands of drivers to obtain CDLs without proper vetting.

The rule was published in the Federal Register on February 13 and is scheduled to take effect March 16.

What’s Changing

Under the new rule, an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) alone will no longer qualify someone for a non-domiciled CDL. FMCSA is now requiring applicants to present a valid foreign passport and an I-94 tied to a specific employment-based non-immigrant status.

The agency says this change simplifies eligibility standards for state licensing agencies and ensures drivers are properly screened.

Asylum seekers, refugees, asylees, and DACA recipients would no longer be eligible for non-domiciled CDLs under this new framework.

FMCSA estimates there are about 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders today and projects that roughly 194,000 could leave the freight market as a result of the rule.

Why FMCSA Says It Matters

FMCSA argues the previous system created a safety gap. While US CDL applicants are routinely checked for serious violations such as DUIs or reckless driving, many non-domiciled CDL holders were licensed without the same level of background verification, especially for incidents that occurred outside US databases.

The agency cited 17 fatal crashes in 2025 involving non-domiciled CDL holders whose driving histories could not be fully verified. Those crashes resulted in 30 deaths and numerous serious injuries.

Regulators say the new rule aligns licensing standards with their mandate to ensure the fitness of commercial drivers and improve highway safety.

Industry Reaction

OOIDA has voiced strong support, saying the rule is a step toward safer roads and a more accountable licensing system.

Along with OOIDA, truckers have been vocal on X (Twitter) and Tiktok saying Congress should pass legislation that would permanently codify the rule, arguing that regulations alone can be reversed by future administrations.

Legal Challenges Ahead

Despite the rule being finalized, legal battles are already underway.

Several organizations, including labor groups and advocacy organizations, have challenged the policy in court, arguing it could remove lawfully authorized workers from the industry and harm drivers who depend on trucking for their livelihoods.

Other groups representing affected communities have also raised concerns, saying there isn’t enough data to prove non-domiciled CDL holders pose a higher safety risk than other drivers.

If you’re in the industry this goes beyond just roadway safety, a lot of the issues surrounding Non-Domiciled CDLs are that they are linked to Chameleon Carriers like we talked about in last week’s Tale Lites. These carriers are doing more than just hiring unqualified labor, but committing fraud and cargo theft.

What Happens Next

The rule is set to take effect in mid March, but lawsuits could delay or alter its implementation. At the same time, legislation in Congress could determine whether these changes become permanent.

For now, the issue remains one of the most closely watched regulatory developments in trucking, with major implications for safety, capacity, and the driver workforce.

What do you think? For Driver Submissions, questions, and comments contact me at: [email protected] or Text me directly at 423-275-2444

Tale Lites Throwback

Check out this story of a Trucker who also sang in his church’s choir save their bell up in Worcester, MA in 1966

📝 Driver Charged After Traveling 60+ Miles Without a Tire

What’s going on in Canada?! Police in Ontario say a truck driver is facing multiple charges after traveling more than 60 miles with a missing or severely damaged tire. The incident happened February 14 near Marathon, where Ontario Provincial Police stopped the truck and cited the driver for unsafe operation. Authorities used the case as a reminder that a quick pre-trip inspection can prevent dangerous situations, not just for drivers, but for everyone sharing the road.

I think this goes beyond a simple pre-trip, and the carrier should probably investigated immediately!

📩 What are your thoughts?
Reply to this email or text (423) 275-2444 

🩺 Health Tip of the Week: Vitamin A For Drivers

Vitamin A plays a key role in eye health, immune function, and skin repair. This is a micro nutrient especially important for drivers because supporting your vision helps with driving and DOT physicals, while skin repair from long hours behind a windshield!

You can get plenty of vitamin A from simple, affordable foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, eggs, and whole milk. Many truck stop diners even have options like eggs or side salads that help cover your needs.

Practical tip: Add one orange or dark green vegetable to a meal each day, carrots with a sandwich or a side of sweet potato fries are easy ways to boost vitamin A without changing your routine much.

(Avoid high-dose supplements unless recommended by a doctor—vitamin A is fat-soluble, and more isn’t always better.)

Partner Post of the Week

Trucker Matt shows us where he was able to park and go out and enjoy downtown Nashville, TN! You can get $20 off your next booking by using the promo code matt150

@truckermatt1

#trucktok

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