Emergency Action to Restrict Non-Domiciled CDLs

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently took emergency action to dramatically restrict who can receive a non-domiciled Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) or Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This is a significant change fleet professionals must understand immediately. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced this rule, which took effect immediately, following a nationwide audit that revealed a catastrophic pattern of states illegally issuing licenses to foreign drivers, indicating a broken licensing system. Consequently, fleets need to review their driver hiring and compliance protocols to ensure they adhere to this new, stricter enforcement, preventing potential operational disruptions.

Pilot Programs Offer Hours-of-Service Flexibility

In a separate move to improve the quality of life for America’s truck drivers and potentially boost safety, the FMCSA launched two bold new pilot programs. These initiatives are investigating increased flexibility within the current hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. According to a September 15, 2025, announcement, the FMCSA will study whether giving drivers more control over their own schedules will reduce fatigue and ultimately improve safety on the road. This marks an important step toward potentially modernizing HOS rules for the benefit of both drivers and fleet operations.

Understanding the HOS Program Goals

Fleets know that driver fatigue significantly contributes to accidents, and driver retention remains a top industry challenge. Therefore, these pilot programs aim to find a balance between regulatory compliance and real-world operational needs. Furthermore, the agency wants to determine if increased flexibility helps drivers better manage their rest periods, which could lead to safer operating conditions overall. It is important to remember that these are pilot programs; they will not immediately change current HOS rules, but their results could shape future regulations. Fleets should closely follow the outcomes of this research from the FMCSA, as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Increased Scrutiny on ELDs and Data Management

Meanwhile, the FMCSA continues its commitment to regulatory compliance by cracking down on non-compliant technology. For instance, the agency recently removed ROBINHOOD ELD from its list of registered Electronic Logging Devices on September 19, 2025. This action occurred because the device failed to meet the minimum requirements established in Title 49 CFR Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 395. Fleet managers should routinely confirm that their current and prospective ELDs remain on the FMCSA’s list of registered devices, thus avoiding compliance violations and potential out-of-service orders. Additionally, the FMCSA has also begun the first phase of modernizing the National Consumer Complaint Database to allow for easier navigation and improved functionality, as announced on September 24, 2025, which should streamline the complaint process for all stakeholders.

Also read: What Truck Drivers Wish Their Fleet Managers Knew