CDL mill legislation signed by Shapiro
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Gov. Josh Shapiro has signed legislation that increases penalties for unlicensed "CDL mills" after the state was criticized by the federal government for commercial driver's licenses held by migrants who hadn't actually been trained to drive tractor trailers.
Act 50 of 2026 was signed recently by Shapiro after being approved by both houses of the state Legislature. Sen. Scott Hutchinson, R-Oil City was a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 1294, which was passed 31-18 in the state Senate with only one nay vote in the state House of Representatives.
Rep. Ed Neilson, D-Philadelphia and chair of the House Transportation Committee, said the bill increases the penalty for running a CDL training center not approved by the state Board of Private Licensed Schools from $2,500 to $25,000, something Neilson said should serve as a strong warning to such institutions. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost.
"Operating machinery that requires a CDL is an enormous responsibility and drivers must be competently trained in line with state and federal regulatory requirements," Neilson said. "Letting these so-called training companies take shortcuts or work outside of the law is unacceptable because the smallest mistake can have devastating, life-threatening consequences to anyone who uses Pennsylvania roads."
Sen. Judy Ward, R-Hollidaysburg and chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, said a December 2025 Senate hearing showed loopholes involving illegal migrants who had been driving commercial vehicles in the U.S. without professional training and English proficiency that resulted in highway crashes in Florida and Washington. Pennsylvania was criticized by the federal government after allegations of a nondomiciled CDL holder, with a REAL ID credential, was issued to a migrant from Uzbekistan. According to testimony from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), a nondomiciled CDL can be issued to a lawfully present driver who is legally authorized to work or reside temporarily in the United States.
"Commercial driver's license holders operate the largest vehicles on our roadways, and the training they receive has a direct impact on public safety," Ward said. "By holding unlicensed training providers accountable, we are protecting motorists and ensuring the next generation of commercial drivers receives the essential skill set and respects the CDL credential."
In addition to larger fines for unlicensed CDL schools included in Senate Bill 1294, Ward also sponsored Senate Bill 1295, which would require English proficiency in the licensing of drivers, particularly issuance of a CDL, meaning the CDL test is to be offered in English, consistent with the CDL road test, unless the federal government withholds transportation funding. Senate Bill 1296, also introduced by Ward, would create a penalty structure to punish unsafe CDL drivers following a roadside inspection by law enforcement for out-of-service violations in order to stop unqualified CDL drivers from driving. Senate Bill 1295 and 1296 have passed the state Senate, but not the state House.
"The commonwealth's trucking industry depends on highly skilled and well-trained driving professionals to keep our economy moving," Ward said. "A CDL credential should represent quality training, demonstrated competency and a commitment to safety. This new law reinforces those standards to keep Pennsylvania's families safe when traveling on our roadways."