Indiana: A recent policy change in the United States has left nearly 1,800 commercial drivers without valid licences, with a large number of those affected believed to be Punjabi Sikh truckers who form a key part of the country’s long-haul transport workforce.
Authorities in the state of Indiana have revoked 1,790 non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licences (CDLs) following the implementation of a new law that tightens eligibility criteria for foreign nationals. The move came into effect on April 1, with prior notices issued to affected drivers in mid-March.
The updated legislation restricts such licences to individuals holding only select visa categories, including agricultural and temporary worker permits, as well as treaty investor visas. This effectively disqualifies many foreign drivers who were previously authorised to operate commercial vehicles.
Officials from the Bureau of Motor Vehicles indicated that the majority of non-domiciled CDL holders in the state have now lost their driving privileges under the revised framework.
Community representatives and advocacy groups say Punjabi Sikh drivers—many of whom have built livelihoods in the American trucking industry—are among the hardest hit. With limited options available, affected individuals are now exploring alternatives such as licence downgrades, legal appeals, or switching professions.
The policy shift follows concerns raised by lawmakers over road safety and verification challenges related to foreign-issued driving records. The decision was also influenced by past accidents involving non-domiciled drivers, prompting calls for stricter regulation, including improved language proficiency and training standards.
The changes are in line with broader measures introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to increase oversight of commercial drivers operating under foreign credentials.
While authorities argue the move is aimed at enhancing safety, industry experts warn it could deepen the existing driver shortage in the US trucking sector, which is already under pressure due to high demand and limited workforce availability.
Indiana is among the first states to implement such wide-ranging restrictions, with similar actions reported earlier in other parts of the country. Meanwhile, support organisations have urged affected drivers to seek guidance on possible exemptions or legal recourse as uncertainty continues to loom over their future in the industry.
