Story perspectives

New Rules for Noncitizen Drivers After Fatal Crashes

9/27/2025

45 7

Summary

Story summary

The Transportation Department will tighten noncitizen commercial drivers’ licenses after three fatal crashes this year linked to immigrant drivers.
Rules restrict eligibility to visa holders and require states to verify immigration status.
California faces a $160 million federal funding shortfall for improper license issuance.
Current 190,000 noncitizen license holders remain unaffected until renewal; California’s crash rate is 40% below the national average.

1 of 1

Story summary

The Transportation Department will tighten noncitizen commercial drivers’ licenses after three fatal crashes this year linked to immigrant drivers.
Rules restrict eligibility to visa holders and require states to verify immigration status.
California faces a $160 million federal funding shortfall for improper license issuance.
Current 190,000 noncitizen license holders remain unaffected until renewal; California’s crash rate is 40% below the national average.