US: Indiana cancels nearly 1,800 Immigrant truck licences
Babushahi Bureau
Indiana (US), April 3, 2026: In a major move amid a wider US crackdown on immigrant drivers, the state of Indiana has cancelled nearly 1,800 commercial driving licences held by non-citizens, tightening rules for the trucking sector.
The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) confirmed that 1,790 drivers were informed in mid-March that their Commercial Driver’s Licences (CDLs) would be revoked. The action follows new federal restrictions introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), along with the implementation of Indiana’s House Enrolled Act 1200, which came into effect on April 1.
Officials said the new rules significantly limit the eligibility of non-domiciled drivers, with most affected individuals no longer meeting the updated documentation requirements. As a result, nearly all such licence holders in the state have lost their commercial driving privileges.
The crackdown is part of a broader policy shift in the US targeting immigrant truck drivers, driven by concerns over road safety, verification of foreign driving records, and language proficiency. Authorities have pointed to past accidents involving commercial vehicles as a key factor behind stricter enforcement.
Under Indiana’s new law, commercial drivers must now prove English language proficiency and provide valid documentation to retain their licences. Submitting false records or lacking proper paperwork can lead to criminal charges. The law also imposes heavy penalties on companies, with fines of up to $50,000 for hiring undocumented drivers.
Previously, Indiana allowed non-domiciled CDLs for drivers with valid work permits, social security numbers, and other approved documents. However, the state has now stopped issuing new licences under this category.
United Sikhs, an international civil rights and humanitarian advocacy group, has raised concerns over Indiana’s move to cancel Commercial Driver’s Licences (CDLs), warning that the action could disproportionately impact immigrant communities. The organisation said that despite engagement with state authorities, the rollout from April 1 leaves hundreds of drivers at immediate risk with limited time to respond.
It has urged affected individuals to promptly seek hearings and file claims within the strict 18-day deadline to avoid losing driving privileges. The group also called for extended timelines and stronger safeguards, adding it will continue advocacy efforts while providing legal guidance and community support to those impacted.