WASHINGTON — A federal court docket has refused to dam a brand new rule limiting which international drivers can maintain a Business Driver’s License (CDL), holding the regulation in impact whereas a bigger authorized battle continues. The choice by the U.S. Courtroom of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit means 1000’s of drivers might ultimately lose their eligibility to drive in the US.
Two Lawsuits Search a Keep
Two separate teams had requested the court docket to pause the rule:
- King County, Washington (residence to Seattle) filed one request in March.
- Three different plaintiffs, together with the American Federation of State, County & Municipal Staff (AFSCME), the American Federation of Lecturers, and the Public Citizen Litigation Group, filed a second movement in February. Truck driver Jorge Rivera Lujan is the first named defendant in that case.
A 3-judge panel denied each requests on Tuesday. In a footnote, one decide, Robert Wilkins, stated he would have granted the keep.
Courtroom Timeline and Amicus Members
The mixed circumstances will proceed over the summer time:
- Petitioners’ briefs: June 15
- FMCSA’s briefs: July 15
- Closing briefs: August 5
- Oral arguments: September 2026
The court docket additionally allowed extra events to hitch as amicus curiae, together with the Teamsters and the Sikh Coalition.
What the Rule Does
FMCSA issued an interim rule in October 2025, adopted by a ultimate rule in February 2026, efficient March 16. The rule permits non-domiciled CDLs just for H-2A, H-2B, and E-2 visa holders.
Teams excluded embody DACA recipients, refugees, asylum seekers, asylees, and people with Non permanent Protected Standing (TPS).
The Lujan plaintiffs argued the rule is “arbitrary and capricious,” claiming FMCSA selected the end result first after which appeared for causes to assist it.
Security Justification
The FMCSA says the rule is required for public security. State businesses have struggled to confirm the driving data of non-domiciled candidates, resulting in potential “unchecked” driving histories.
The company recognized 17 deadly crashes in 2025 involving non-domiciled drivers who wouldn’t have certified beneath the brand new rule. These crashes triggered 30 deaths and a number of accidents. FMCSA says drivers with accredited visas bear enhanced consular screening earlier than coming into the U.S., which the company says reduces danger.
Provide Chain Influence
The trucking trade is already feeling the stress. In California, 13,000 licenses have been canceled in a single day in March as a consequence of federal compliance calls for.
The driving force scarcity is inflicting:
- Greater freight prices as fewer vans can be found.
- Insurance coverage challenges for carriers using non-domiciled drivers.
- Service delays, particularly for refrigerated shipments and port operations.
The Sikh neighborhood is especially affected, as business trucking is a significant career for a lot of members.
Trade estimates recommend 194,000 to 200,000 drivers nationwide might be affected by the brand new rule as soon as licenses expire and renewals are restricted.
What Carriers Ought to Do
For now, current non-domiciled CDLs stay legitimate till their expiration date. As soon as expired, drivers will want one of many three accredited visas to resume.
FMCSA recommends carriers audit their driver rosters now and put together for potential shortages within the coming months.
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