Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently revealed a troubling statistic regarding North Carolina: 54% of its non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) granted to foreign nationals have been issued illegally. This alarming finding emerged during a nationwide audit of the state’s truck licensing systems by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The implications of this discovery are serious, as the Department of Transportation (DOT) warned that North Carolina could lose nearly $50 million in federal funding if these licenses are not revoked.
Duffy did not mince words in his condemnation of the situation. “North Carolina’s failure to follow the rules isn’t just shameful… it’s dangerous,” he stated. His call to action is clear: state leaders must act decisively to remove these illegal licenses and ensure the safety of all drivers on the road. Duffy emphasized the importance of this issue for citizens, aligning with the broader commitment of his department and the Trump administration to maintain safety on highways.
The organization’s findings indicate a pattern of illegal license issuance in North Carolina. These violations include granting CDLs to drivers who had expired lawful presence in the United States, failing to verify their legal status, and providing licenses to individuals who were ineligible to drive. FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs described the noncompliance level as “egregious,” underscoring the severity of the problem.
As part of the response, North Carolina has been directed to halt the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs immediately. The state is tasked with identifying all unexpired CDLs that do not comply with FMCSA regulations and must revoke those found to be noncompliant. Furthermore, a comprehensive internal audit is mandated to uncover procedural failings and training inadequacies that have allowed these violations to occur.
Duffy’s determination to tackle illegal CDLs stems from a tragic incident involving an Indian national with a California-issued CDL accused of causing a fatal accident on a Florida turnpike. This incident has influenced the urgency of Duffy’s focus on CDL issues, as evidenced by California’s revocation of 17,000 problematic non-domiciled licenses following the new federal audits initiated by President Trump’s executive order on truck driver roadway safety.
In summary, Secretary Duffy’s revelations highlight a critical issue in North Carolina’s truck licensing system that could have serious repercussions for both state and federal funding. The expectation for immediate action reflects a wider concern about public safety and adherence to the rules governing commercial driving licenses. With these developments, the spotlight is firmly on North Carolina’s leadership to respond adequately and restore integrity to their licensing processes.
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