Organizations representing commercial truck drivers and commercial driving training programs nationwide are throwing their support behind legislation touted by President Donald Trump that would ban illegal immigrants from obtaining a commercial driver's license, or CDL.

The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) is expressing support for Dalilah’s Law, which would ban all U.S. states from allowing illegal immigrants from obtaining CDLs – which are required to operate heavy vehicles like 18-wheelers or buses weighing over 10,000 pounds.

“For too long, gaps in oversight, inconsistent enforcement, and exploitation of regulatory loopholes have placed American motorists at risk and undermined reputable CDL training providers. Delilah’s Law represents an important step toward restoring integrity to the system by ensuring that only properly trained, properly licensed, and legally authorized drivers are operating commercial motor vehicles on our nation’s highways,” said a CVTA spokesperson in a statement to the Herald.

“Professional truck drivers operate 80,000-pound vehicles alongside families every day. The standards governing who is eligible to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), how they are trained, and whether they are qualified to work in the United States must be enforced clearly and consistently. Dalilah’s Law reinforces the principle that highway safety cannot be compromised and that compliance with federal training, licensing, and employment requirements is non-negotiable,” they said.

President Trump called on Congress to pass Dalilah’s Law during his State of the Union address. The legislation is named after Dalilah Coleman, who was severely injured in a car accident caused by an illegal immigrant driving with a CDL driving a semi-truck, according to the White House. Her injuries include a traumatic brain injury, Cerebral Palsy, and she will need lifelong care and therapy.

“Many, if not most, illegal aliens do not speak English and cannot read even the most basic road signs. That’s why tonight I’m calling on Congress to pass what we will call the Dalilah law, barring any state from granting commercial driver’s licenses to illegal aliens,” said Trump.

The legislation was filed Wednesday by Sen. Jim Banks, R-Indiana, officially titled A bill to prohibit the issuance of commercial driver’s licenses to individuals who are not citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States or holders of certain work visas, and for other purposes (S. 3917). The legislation has been sent to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Currently, individual states are responsible for issuing CDLs under USDOT guidelines, which require applicants to provide proof of training from a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) certified training provider, and must pass a written test as well as a medical test and a driving skills test.

Earlier this month, the administration introduced a rule implementing the changes proposed in Dalilah’s law, which would make the rule change official if passed and turned into U.S. law.

“President Trump has underscored what industry professionals and safety advocates have long understood: meaningful reform protects not only the motoring public, but also the integrity of legitimate training institutions and the hardworking drivers who meet the rules,” the CVTA said. “We stand ready to work with the Administration and Congress to ensure that Dalilah’s Law is implemented effectively, strengthens accountability, and upholds the highest standards of safety and professionalism.”

Meanwhile, TAM is applauding last week’s change in USDOT policy that now requires all CDL tests be administered in the English language only and bans states from offering the tests in multiple languages, like in California, which previously administered the tests in 20 different languages. Massachusetts, as of 2024, offers CDL tests in English, Spanish and Portuguese, according to the Registry of Motor Vehicles (RMV).

“Professional truck drivers have a direct stake in roadway safety, and no one understands that responsibility better than those who do the job every day. Our industry reflects a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, which is a tremendous asset. At the same time, a Commercial Driver’s License is not just a credential — it is a safety-sensitive, professional qualification. Individuals operating vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds must be able to read highway signage, understand federal safety regulations, and communicate effectively with law enforcement and emergency personnel,” TAM Executive Director Kevin Weeks told the Herald in a written statement.

“The industry, in general, has been actively urging stronger enforcement of English requirements and has publicly supported any action requiring English-only CDL testing to reinforce driver training standards and roadway safety. The industry applauds recent actions to strengthen enforcement of federal English proficiency requirements and urges consistent application of these standards across all states,” he said.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says the policy change is meant to ensure drivers meet federal requirements to understand enough of the English language to be able to read road signs and communicate with law enforcement.

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