Lawmaker Advocates for Ending Trucking Reciprocity Between Mexico and Canada
WASHINGTON — Recently introduced legislation could significantly enhance the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) existing regulations regarding foreign truck drivers. Legislation Overview The Protecting America’s Roads Act, presented by Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, primarily seeks
WASHINGTON — Recently introduced legislation could significantly enhance the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) existing regulations regarding foreign truck drivers.
Legislation Overview
The Protecting America’s Roads Act, presented by Rep. Beth Van Duyne, R-Texas, primarily seeks to formalize the FMCSA’s recent Interim Final Rule (IFR) that restricts non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses and, by extension, foreign truck drivers.
Proposed Restrictions
However, Van Duyne’s bill aims to go further by eliminating CDL reciprocity agreements with foreign nations, which currently exist only between Mexico and Canada.
Statements from Rep. Van Duyne
In a statement, Van Duyne stated, “It is time to end the danger posed by illegal immigrant and foreign national truck drivers who are not capable of safely operating an 18-wheel commercial vehicle or, in many cases, understanding English language warning signs and road instructions.”
Consequences for States
She added, “To any state bothered by these new rules and proposed legislation, do our country a favor and stop endangering the lives of Americans with your reckless actions or suffer the consequences of having federal highway funds removed.”
FMCSA’s Current Stance
The FMCSA has previously acknowledged that CDLs issued by Mexican states and Canadian provinces are compliant with their regulations, allowing drivers from these countries to operate in the U.S. without needing to obtain a non-domiciled CDL.
Impact of the Proposed Legislation
According to Section 3 of Van Duyne’s bill, within six months of its enactment, the FMCSA would be required to terminate any existing reciprocity agreements that recognize foreign commercial driver’s licenses. This would mean that licenses issued from Canada or Mexico would no longer be valid in the U.S., potentially requiring those drivers to obtain a new U.S.-recognized credential.
Additional Requirements
Beyond revoking reciprocal agreements, the proposed legislation would also prevent states from issuing a CDL to individuals not domiciled within that state, requiring applicants to prove their domicile for registration.