Emergency CDL Rule Sparks Debate Across the Trucking Industry
A major policy shift from federal and state transportation officials is sending shockwaves through the trucking world. On September 29, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a new emergency rule aimed at tightening standards for Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs). The move will immediately impact nearly 200,000 non-domiciled CDL holders nationwide, halting their ability to operate commercial trucks unless stricter identification requirements are met. The rule arrives on the heels of several high-profile crashes that officials linked to failures in state licensing processes. In Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) took swift action, suspending the issuance of CDLs and commercial learner’s permits to refugees, asylees, and Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients. According to DPS, asylum seekers without approved lawful presence have never been eligible for licensing, but the latest directive widens the scope of sus...