Ukrainian Truck Drivers at Risk Due to New Final Rule that Restricts Noncitizen Eligibility for Commercial Driver’s Licenses
Posted on June 11, 2026
A new rule that went into effect March 16, 2026 severely restricts which categories of noncitizens are eligible to hold Commercial Driver's Licenses (CDLs) that are required to drive trucks and other commercial vehicles. States may ONLY issue or renew Non-Domiciled CDLs/CLPs to drivers who have an H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visa. Simply having an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) is no longer sufficient. This means Uniting for Ukraine (U4U) humanitarian parolees and TPS grantees are no longer eligible to apply for or renew CDLs/CLPs, even if they previously held or currently hold a valid one. Ukrainians driving commercial vehicles who do not have an H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 work visa and a valid CDL are also at greater risk of being stopped, inspected, or detained by police or state transportation authorities. Read more