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Court Temporarily Halts Non-Domiciled CDL Rule
Nov 20, 2025
Administrator
truckdrivers.biz
A federal appeals court has issued an administrative stay against the newly introduced rule restricting Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for non-domiciled drivers. The rule, announced by federal transportation officials earlier this year, aimed to limit CDL eligibility only to U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and certain visa holders with long-term residency status. It also required strict proof of domicile within the issuing state.
The court’s decision temporarily blocks enforcement, giving drivers and trucking companies a brief period of relief. Many fleets had already begun preparing for significant disruptions, expecting thousands of immigrant drivers to lose their ability to legally operate commercial vehicles. Some companies reported that they were reviewing personnel files, adjusting routes, and planning for potential driver shortages.
The ruling does not overturn the regulation but pauses it while the court evaluates whether the federal government followed proper procedures in implementing the rule. Judges indicated that there may be insufficient evidence showing the rule’s necessity or its impact on safety.
For now, non-domiciled drivers who were at risk of losing their CDL can continue working, though the long-term outlook remains uncertain. Industry groups argue that removing experienced immigrant drivers would worsen capacity issues and harm supply chains already under pressure. Others maintain that stricter identification and residency standards are necessary for road safety.
The pause gives trucking companies more time to adjust, but experts warn that the final decision could still bring major changes. Until the court issues a full ruling, both drivers and carriers must stay alert to further legal developments.
The court’s decision temporarily blocks enforcement, giving drivers and trucking companies a brief period of relief. Many fleets had already begun preparing for significant disruptions, expecting thousands of immigrant drivers to lose their ability to legally operate commercial vehicles. Some companies reported that they were reviewing personnel files, adjusting routes, and planning for potential driver shortages.
The ruling does not overturn the regulation but pauses it while the court evaluates whether the federal government followed proper procedures in implementing the rule. Judges indicated that there may be insufficient evidence showing the rule’s necessity or its impact on safety.
For now, non-domiciled drivers who were at risk of losing their CDL can continue working, though the long-term outlook remains uncertain. Industry groups argue that removing experienced immigrant drivers would worsen capacity issues and harm supply chains already under pressure. Others maintain that stricter identification and residency standards are necessary for road safety.
The pause gives trucking companies more time to adjust, but experts warn that the final decision could still bring major changes. Until the court issues a full ruling, both drivers and carriers must stay alert to further legal developments.
