Trump admin ends major loophole tied to fatal wrecks involving illegal alien truckers –Reform formally codifies the policy into federal regulations | 12 Feb 2026 | The Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Wednesday that it has officially closed a major loophole that allowed unqualified drivers, including illegal immigrants, to operate commercial trucks, following several fatal crashes last year involving non-domiciled drivers. “For far too long, America has allowed dangerous foreign drivers to abuse our truck licensing systems — wreaking havoc on our roadways. This safety loophole ends today,” U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said. “Moving forward, unqualified foreign drivers will be unable to get a license to operate an 80,000-pound big rig.” Officials said foreigners who hold only a work permit will no longer be able to obtain a commercial trucking license, as Employment Authorization Documents (EADs) do not provide information about a driver’s previous traffic violations, accidents or license suspensions in other countries.