States Tighten CDL, English Rule Enforcement

A multi-state enforcement sweep has removed more than 100 commercial drivers from U.S. highways for immigration and licensing violations, including repeat offenders operating without valid commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) or failing to meet federal English-language proficiency (ELP) standards.

On Sept. 30, the Colorado and Wyoming Highway Patrols placed 24 vehicles and 16 drivers out of service, arresting four drivers for repeat offenses, including CDL and ELP violations. A separate three-day Oklahoma Highway Patrol operation, conducted Sept. 25-28 in partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, resulted in 500 inspections and 120 arrests — most for immigration violations.

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said those detained included drivers from countries such as China, Georgia, and Ukraine. ICE officials reported that 91 of those arrested held CDLs and were operating commercial vehicles.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently warned states that fail to follow federal CDL issuance rules could face funding cuts. “Oklahomans deserve safe highways,” said Oklahoma Corporation Commission Chair Kim David. “By working together, we’re reducing risks for every driver.” https://www.ttnews.com