Legislation has been introduced in the House of Representatives that would allow commercial driver’s license holders under the age of 21 to, in limited situations, cross state lines and not just be limited to driving within just one state.
Two trucking organizations have weighed in favoring the proposed bill.
Rep. Harriet Hageman, a Republican from Wyoming, introduced the Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement (ROUTE) Act, a bill she said expands opportunities for qualified 18–21-year-old CDL holders to operate commercial vehicles on limited interstate routes.
Current federal regulations restrict CDL holders under 21 to intrastate driving only. The ROUTE Act removes what Hageman calls an "outdated barrier" by allowing these drivers — already licensed and trusted to operate within their state — to cross state lines as long as they remain within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location.
“Federal barriers prevent capable young Americans from entering the trucking industry," said Rep. Hageman. "At the same time, we are removing illegal aliens who unlawfully obtained CDLs.That makes it even more important to open doors for American workers to fill these jobs and strengthen our economy.
"Wyoming and other rural states face needless challenges because federal regulation blocks young CDL holders from making short interstate trips. It makes no sense that drivers are allowed to travel from Gillette to Evanston but prohibited from driving right across the state line to Belle Fourche, South Dakota. America should never rely on illegal labor to move our goods.”
Key provisions of the ROUTE Act include:
- The bill permits eligible young CDL holders to operate commercial motor vehicles across state lines within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location, aligning with other agricultural-related exemptions
- Drivers must return to their reporting location within 14 consecutive hours and take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting their next shift, maintaining existing hours of service requirements
A national trucking organization and the one from Hageman's home state support the bill.
“OOIDA supports Representative Hageman’s commonsense proposal to allow truck drivers to operate within a 150 air-mile radius across state lines," said Todd Spencer, president of theOwner Operator Independent Drivers Association. "The current system creates situations that simply do not make sense, like allowing a driver in Kansas City, Kansas to haul clear across the state to its border with Colorado, but not deliver a few miles away in Kansas City, Missouri.
"The ROUTE Act fixes this problem in a safe and practical way. A 150 air-mile operating radius gives drivers the chance to build skills in familiar conditions, receive the training they need, and stay closer to home while gaining experience. OOIDA appreciates Representative Hageman’s leadership in advancing a commonsense solution without opening the door to unsafe long haul operations for inexperienced teenagers.”
Kevin Hawley, president of the Wyoming Trucking Association, said, “This bill reflects what rural states have needed for a long time. t removes an unnecessary barrier for interested and qualified carriers, strengthens service to border communities, and supports the development of the next generation of professional drivers in Wyoming. We appreciate Congresswoman Hageman’s continued leadership in bringing forward practical solutions that make immediate differences for Wyoming.”
