A Florida senator is proposing a new federal CDL immigrant law to strengthen commercial licensing requirements after a fatal crash. The bill would crack down on licenses issued to illegal immigrants.
The move follows an August 12 collision that killed three people. The Harjinder Singh Florida crash occurred when a tractor-trailer allegedly made an illegal U-turn and struck a minivan.
The driver, Harjinder Singh, an illegal immigrant from India, was charged with three counts of vehicular homicide and manslaughter. He held a commercial driver’s license from California and was previously licensed by Washington state.
Proposed Safer Truckers Act of 2025
Sen. Ashley Moody plans to introduce the Safer Truckers Act of 2025 in response.
The Sen Ashley Moody CDL bill would ensure commercial licenses are only awarded to U.S. citizens, legal permanent residents, or individuals with a valid work visa.
New Federal CDL Immigrant Law Proposed
The legislation also focuses on strengthening truck driver English proficiency standards. “If you’re a commercial truck driver in America, being able to competently read the road signs in English isn’t optional… it’s the job,” said Sen. Ashley Moody.
The bill proposes that states could have their eligibility for federal funding jeopardized if they fail to enforce these requirements. “States must ensure that folks are safe on our roadways, and if they don’t, they should forfeit federal funding,” Moody added.
Federal Rules and Existing Background
According to federal investigators, Singh had previously failed English proficiency and road sign tests. Federal law currently requires proof of lawful permanent residency or an Employment Authorization Document to obtain a CDL.
While some states permit migrants to obtain a regular driver’s license regardless of their citizenship status, commercial driver’s licenses are governed by federal regulations.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order earlier this year requiring agencies to enforce English proficiency provisions.
