Alabama recently took steps ensure the state's commercial motor vehicle operators meet federal work authorization and communication standards.
Governor Kay Ivey recently signed new legislation that requires commercial driver license holders operating in Alabama who hold a foreign CDL to possess valid U.S. work authorization and requires all CDL holders to demonstrate English language proficiency, while also making it a criminal offense to present a false foreign CDL during enforcement encounters.
“Alabama’s economy is booming, and our hardworking truckers play a vital role in keeping goods moving across our state and across this country. At the same time, Alabama families travel these same highways every single day, and they deserve to know the rules are being enforced,” said Ivey. “If you cannot read, write and speak English, you do not need to be driving a commercial vehicle on our roads.”
Sen. Lance Bell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure strengthens safeguards for Alabama motorists while supporting legitimate commercial drivers who follow the rules.
“The Highway Safety and Fairness Act is about protecting Alabama families and ensuring the integrity of our trucking industry,” said Sen. Bell. “By giving law enforcement additional tools to address fraudulent licenses, enforce existing federal standards and hold bad actors accountable, this legislation helps keep our highways safe while supporting the hardworking Alabama truckers who follow the rules every day."
The legislation builds upon ongoing enforcement efforts conducted by ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU), which conducts inspections and traffic stops involving commercial motor vehicles across the state.
Since Oct. 27, 2025, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit has referred more than 555 individuals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration status verification following commercial motor vehicle inspections and passenger vehicle stops. Of those referrals, 221 individuals were detained by ICE based on their immigration status.
In addition to the collaboration with ICE, ALEA MCSU Troopers conduct English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests, which are federally mandated to ensure drivers can read highway signage, understand safety instructions and communicate with law enforcement during inspections or emergencies.
This past December, Ivey announced significant results from the coordinated efforts of ALEA and ICE to crack down on illegal trucking operators.
Since Jan. 1, 2025, ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit has issued 548 English Language Proficiency violations to commercial drivers.
