Trucking news and briefs for Monday, June 1, 2026:
- State puts 5K non-domiciled CDL holders on notice.
- Midwest state codifies ELP requirements with penalties.
- Northern Idaho scale closed for construction.
Ohio issues notices to 5K non-domiciled CDL holders
Approximately 5,000 non-domiciled commercial driver’s license holders in Ohio will soon be notified about whether their credential will remain valid.
Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) Registrar Charlie Norman on May 29 announced that BMV will be contacting Ohio’s non-domiciled CDL holders regarding the status of their credentials under updated rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
The Ohio BMV noted that it has not issued or renewed any non-domiciled CDL credentials since FMCSA updated its rules in September 2025, adding that it “does not intend to resume issuing new non-domiciled CDLs in the future nor will it renew any revalidated non-domiciled CDLs after they expire.”
Non-domiciled CDL holders in Ohio will receive one of two letters from Ohio BMV, depending on the type of documentation initially presented to obtain their current credential:
- A Notice of CDL Downgrade will be sent to individuals whose documentation does not meet FMCSA’s updated rules. These individuals’ CDL credentials will be downgraded to a Class D Passenger Driver License 30 days after receipt of the notice, prohibiting them from using their Ohio license to drive a commercial vehicle in the United States.
- Those who previously submitted documentation that does meet FMCSA’s updated rules will receive a letter stating that their credential remains valid until its expiration date.
[Related: FMCSA issues first non-domiciled CDL rule exemption]
Drivers who receive a downgrade notice who believe their documents do meet the updated federal standards may request a hearing with the BMV to dispute the downgrade and/or submit additional documentation to BMV to prove their eligibility. The acceptable documents, according to federal regulations, include:
- An unexpired Employment Authorization Document (EAD) issued by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), valid on the most recent CDL/CLP issuance date. Even though FMCSA’s new rules for non-domiciled CDLs exclude EADs as acceptable documents, Ohio’s non-domiciled CDLs were issued prior to the September 2025 emergency final rule.
- An unexpired foreign passport with an unexpired USCIS I‑94 form, both of which must be valid on the most recent CDL/CLP issuance date.
The notices will be sent via the U.S. Postal Service to addresses on file with Ohio BMV.
Ohio has approximately 406,000 CDL holders. The reverification process does not apply to full CDL holders or CDL holders with legally established permanent residence.
[Related: Bill would increase FMCSA non-domiciled CDL oversight]
Iowa sets fines, more for ELP violations
A new law in Iowa codifies the federal regulation that commercial motor vehicle drivers be able to demonstrate English language proficiency. The bill was signed into law by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds on May 2.
Under terms of the new law, set to take effect March 1, 2027, the Iowa Department of Transportation will be required to examine the English proficiency of every person who applies for issuance or renewal of a CDL or commercial learner’s permit, and to deny issuance to anyone who fails the exam. Applicants will be allowed to retake the exams.
Truck drivers caught violating the provision would be placed out of service and could face a $1,000 fine along with up to a year in prison.
Motor carriers are also barred from employing a driver, including an independent contractor, who is not English proficient. Violating the provision is punishable by a $10,000 fine.
Officers are required to place motor carriers out-of-service if an investigation, safety audit, or normal business activity reveals that a carrier is allowing or has allowed a person who Is not proficient in English to operate a CMV within the previous year.
[Related: New Alabama law sets fines for ELP violations, fraudulent foreign CDLs]
Idaho port of entry closed for construction
The Idaho Transportation Department has closed the Lower Lewiston Port of Entry (POE) for construction.
The Lower Lewiston POE, which is located one mile east of Lewiston on U.S. Highway 12 and U.S. Highway 95, will remain closed until early next year. The exact reopening date is still to be determined.
“The new port design will feature improved access to commercial vehicle services, such as registration and permit requests, as well as public access to restroom facilities,” said Port of Entry program manager Frank DeCarvalho.
The Lewiston Hill POE, which is seven miles north of Lewiston on U.S. 95, will remain open. Commercial vehicle customers are encouraged to make registration and permit appointments online. For inspection-related questions, contact the Lewiston Hill POE at (208) 799-4824.
