The Brief
- Indiana is cracking down on commercial driver’s licenses after deadly crashes involving truck drivers who investigators say were not legally allowed to operate in the U.S.
- A new state law requires CDL holders to demonstrate English proficiency and gives officials more tools to verify whether drivers are properly licensed.
- Indiana Attorney General Todd Rokita says the state identified about 1,800 commercial driver’s licenses that needed to be removed from the system, while CDL training experts say the industry is prepared to adapt to the changes.
GARY, Ind. – A new Indiana law aimed at tightening requirements for commercial truck drivers is now changing how the state checks who is allowed behind the wheel of a big rig.
New Indiana CDL requirements
The backstory:
House Enrolled Act 1200, now state law, adds new English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers and requires CDL applicants to prove they can communicate effectively, understand traffic signs and signals, respond to law enforcement and complete required records.
The law also requires commercial drivers to take their knowledge and skills exams in English or American Sign Language.…