South Dakota Faces $13 Million Threat Over CDL Licenses
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South Dakota Faces $13 Million Threat Over CDL Licenses

Trucks at a busy shipping port, with an inset of a man speaking at a podium. Text: South Dakota Faces $13 Million Threat Over CDL Licenses.

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - South Dakota is among a growing list of states warned they could lose millions in federal highway funding due to concerns over commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) issued to immigrants.


The U.S. Department of Transportation has threatened to withhold $13.2 million from South Dakota after an audit by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) found inconsistencies in the state’s licensing program. The audit identified instances in which licenses were valid longer than a driver’s legal work permit and cases in which licenses were issued to ineligible Canadian citizens.

Man speaking energetically at a podium labeled Department of Transportation, with U.S. flag background; men in casual attire behind him.

In response to the federal crackdown led by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, the South Dakota Department of Public Safety has temporarily halted the issuance of “non-domiciled” CDLs. State officials confirmed they have already corrected six specific inconsistencies flagged by investigators and are currently reviewing administrative controls to ensure full compliance with federal standards.

Heavy traffic on a highway with red and white semi-trucks leading. Cars follow in multiple lanes under clear blue skies. Busy urban setting.

The nationwide review was launched following a series of fatal crashes involving unauthorized drivers. While trucking groups have praised the effort to tighten safety and English-proficiency requirements, some immigrant advocacy groups have filed legal challenges, arguing the new rules unfairly target qualified drivers.

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