Overview
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said California acknowledged the out-of-compliance issuances and DOT sent notices to affected drivers.
- FMCSA reported that more than one in four sampled records violated federal rules, including licenses extending beyond a holder’s work authorization.
- California is required to deliver a full audit of its non-domiciled CDL program so federal officials can verify cancellations and confirm fixes.
- Duffy is threatening to withhold up to $160 million in highway funds after previously freezing about $40 million tied to English-proficiency enforcement.
- California officials dispute the federal findings, asserting compliance with law and federal guidance and saying affected drivers had work authorization, while fatal crashes involving migrant drivers prompted the broader federal review.