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Non-Domiciled CDL Enforcement: Washington Urges California and Colorado to Act Immediately
- Francis Tremblay
- Dec 27, 2025
- 1 min read
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is calling on the governors of California and Colorado to immediately enforce federal rules governing non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), warning that continued delays pose serious risks to public safety.
Speaking during a recent appearance on Fox News, Duffy confirmed that the federal government has already begun the process of withholding transportation funding from California. While state officials have said they intend to comply, Duffy said Washington has seen no meaningful enforcement actions, particularly when it comes to revoking improperly issued CDLs.
The Transportation Secretary also criticized Colorado for what he described as “slow walking” enforcement, despite the state acknowledging serious deficiencies identified through federal audits. According to Duffy, the issue is not complex to resolve, but political hesitation is preventing swift action.
“They’re not pulling back licenses,” Duffy said, stressing that roadway safety must take priority over politics. Allowing unqualified drivers to operate 80,000-pound commercial vehicles, he added, places motorists at unnecessary risk and undermines the credibility of the CDL system.
Duffy emphasized that enforcing existing federal regulations is not optional, and that governors should focus on protecting citizens by ensuring that only properly qualified drivers remain behind the wheel of commercial vehicles.
He concluded by warning that continued inaction could result in additional federal consequences, including further financial and regulatory penalties.
