Rhode Island, Utah Tighten Limits on Non-Domiciled CDLs

Rhode Island has permanently stopped issuing non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), while Utah has put an indefinite pause on issuing them. This move is part of a larger trend of states restricting non-domiciled licenses, which could lead to a loss of foreign truck drivers exceeding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) estimate of 200,000. The FMCSA adopted a more stringent non-domiciled CDL regulation earlier this year, which is expected to force many drivers to exit the industry. Rhode Island currently has 113 active non-domiciled CDLs, but will not replace them, while Utah has decided to continue its moratorium on issuing new non-domiciled CDLs due to the low number of eligible drivers. Other states, such as Ohio and Oregon, have also ended issuing non-domiciled CDLs, while Iowa has resumed issuance after completing corrective actions. The move is aimed at ensuring safety and compliance with federal regulations, with Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy having declared a national emergency audit over safety and driver qualification concerns in 2025.