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The state of Florida announced this week a new measure that significantly tightens the requirements for commercial truck drivers operating on its roads.
The announcement states that migration controls and English proficiency tests will be implemented at all agricultural inspection stations in the state, which will now also operate as border control points for drivers.
The Florida Attorney General, James Uthmeier, explained that the 23 agricultural inspection points will be transformed into verification stations for immigration status and language proficiency, with the support of certified agents under the federal program 287(g), in direct cooperation with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
“If you are here illegally or do not speak English, you should not be driving large commercial vehicles on Florida roads,” Uthmeier stated at a press conference.
In addition, he emphasized that the state is "evaluating all legal options to ensure that drivers without legal immigration status or without proper training do not operate heavy vehicles on our roads."
The measure also fully activates an executive order issued in May, which requires all truck drivers to demonstrate proficiency in English as a condition for operating in the state.
According to Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson, the controls will include new technologies such as X-ray scanners and the expansion of lanes at entry points to facilitate the inspection of each vehicle entering.
" we will turn these stations into strongholds for immigration control and road safety," Simpson stated.
Conflict with "sanctuary" states and federal pressure
Florida has gone beyond the state level: it demands that the federal government withdraw funding and revoke the authority to issue CDL licenses to the states of California and Washington, where -according to Attorney Uthmeier- commercial driving permits have allegedly been granted to undocumented immigrants without meeting federal standards.
"States like California and Washington ignored the regulations [...] and as a result, three people died," Uthmeier stated in a letter sent to the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The government of Donald Trump supported the offensive and announced the suspension of all work visas for commercial drivers, a nationally impactful decision that further tightens the landscape for migrant truckers.
The tragedy that the decision caused
This legal and political escalation was triggered by an accident that occurred on August 12 on the Florida Turnpike, when Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old Indian immigrant, made an illegal U-turn with his semi-trailer, causing a minivan to crash into the trailer, resulting in the deaths of its three occupants.
Singh, who had entered the U.S. irregularly in 2018, held commercial driving licenses issued by the states of Washington (2023) and California (2024).
Subsequent investigations determined that he/she did not speak English nor was capable of identifying basic road signs.
In fact, according to the authorities' statement, “he answered correctly only two out of twelve verbal questions and identified only one out of four traffic signs” in the exam conducted after the incident.
Singh fled to California with his brother, who was the co-pilot in the truck, and was arrested a week later by federal agents.
He is currently facing six criminal charges, including three for vehicular homicide, and remains without bail due to being considered a high flight risk.
Uthmeier accuses negligence in driving tests
The attorney general of Florida accuses "sanctuary" jurisdictions such as California, Washington, and New Jersey of facilitating CDL licenses to individuals who do not qualify or meet the basic requirements for commercial transportation.
In addition to Singh's case, Uthmeier cited the arrest of another undocumented driver, Roberto Carlos Vergara, who was intercepted in Bay County while operating a commercial truck with a CDL issued in New Jersey.
“It’s hard to imagine that someone who doesn’t speak English could pass these exams and receive the necessary authorization,” criticized Uthmeier in statements reported by Fox News.
The prosecutor also announced that officials and companies that have approved or facilitated licenses for immigrants without meeting the established requirements will be investigated.
Fears of discrimination and workplace exclusion
Florida's decision has raised alarm among trucking organizations and immigration rights advocates, who warn that the measure could lead to discrimination, racial profiling, and massive job loss, especially among drivers who, despite being legal or holding valid licenses in other states, now fear traveling through Florida.
Moreover, some sectors fear that this policy will disrupt supply chains by further limiting the availability of carriers in an industry that is already facing a shortage of skilled labor.
A signal of the national direction
With this measure, Florida inaugurates a new phase in immigration policy applied to the transportation industry: linking immigration status and proficiency in English as mandatory requirements for operating heavy trucks, regardless of licenses obtained in other states.
Far from being an isolated response to a fatal accident, the action driven by Uthmeier is part of a broader strategy of confrontation with sanctuary states and a tightening of national immigration policies, the impact of which threatens to spill over state borders and extend throughout the country.
Frequently Asked Questions About the New Restrictions for Truck Drivers in Florida
What are the new restrictions for truck drivers in Florida?
The new restrictions in Florida require immigration checks and English proficiency tests for commercial truck drivers. These checks will be implemented at the state's agricultural inspection stations, which will now also serve as border control points. This measure aims to ensure that drivers have legal immigration status and proficiency in English to operate heavy vehicles in Florida.
Why has Florida implemented these measures for truck drivers?
Florida has implemented these measures following a fatal accident caused by an undocumented truck driver who did not speak English. The accident prompted a review of the licenses granted to undocumented immigrants in other states, accusing states like California and Washington of issuing licenses without meeting federal standards. The measure aims to prevent future tragedies and enhance road safety.
How does the new measure affect truck drivers who do not speak English?
Truck drivers who do not have a command of English could be removed from their duties if they do not pass the language test established by Donald Trump's executive order. This regulation, which reinforces an existing federal law, requires drivers to be able to read and speak English to ensure road safety, raising concerns among Spanish-speaking communities, particularly the Cuban-American community.
What impact could this measure have on the supply chain in Florida?
The new measure could limit the availability of drivers and cause delays in the supply chain. The transportation industry is already facing a shortage of skilled labor, and these restrictions could worsen the problem by further reducing the number of available truck drivers, affecting both consumers and businesses alike.
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