Truck drivers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands would gain access to a federally recognized commercial driver's license (CDL) for the first time under this bill. Current federal law does not include those territories in the definition of jurisdictions eligible to issue CDLs, meaning commercial drivers there cannot receive the same license recognized across the 50 states. The bill gives both territories a five-year grace period to get their programs in compliance with federal standards before any highway funding could be withheld for non-compliance, and it directs federal safety officials to work with local governments on the rollout.
Congressional Summary
This bill makes the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico eligible to issue commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) standards. Under current law, only states may issue CDLs. FMCSA must work with the U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico on obtaining full compliance with CDL requirements.Following a five-year grace period, apportioned funds from the Highway Trust Fund may be withheld from the U.S. Virgin Islands or Puerto Rico for failure to comply with CDL requirements.
Details
- Congress
- 119th
- Chamber
- House
- Status
- summarized
- Action
- Introduced in House
- Action Date
- 2025-09-30
- Date Added
- 2026-06-15
- Source
- Congress.gov →
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