Protecting America’s Roads Act

This bill, known as the "Protecting America's Roads Act," significantly strengthens Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requirements by mandating that all applicants, particularly non-citizens, present valid documentation proving their citizenship status, lawful permanent residency, or work authorization, alongside proof of domicile in the issuing state. States will be prohibited from issuing CDLs to individuals not domiciled within their borders, ensuring local residency for commercial drivers. For non-citizen applicants, the legislation requires states to use the SAVE system to verify lawful presence, denying licenses if status is unconfirmed. Non-citizen CDLs and Commercial Learner's Permits (CLPs) will have limited validity, expiring on the earlier of their I-94 date or one year after issuance, and all related transactions must be completed in person. States must also downgrade or revoke a non-citizen's CDL or CLP if their eligibility lapses, with penalties for non-compliant states. Furthermore, the bill directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to terminate existing reciprocity agreements for foreign commercial driver's licenses within six months, effectively preventing foreign CDL holders from operating commercial vehicles in the U.S. unless statutorily authorized. It also empowers agencies involved in immigration enforcement to identify and report foreign nationals unlawfully operating commercial motor vehicles to the FMCSA, fostering greater inter-agency cooperation.