How an Immigrant Trucker Obtained a US License Before Crash That Killed Three
The tragic crash on Florida’s Turnpike on August 12, 2025, which claimed three lives, has raised serious questions about the licensing process for immigrant truckers in the U.S. The driver, Harjinder Singh, reportedly an immigrant who entered the country unlawfully, held a California commercial driver’s license (CDL), despite federal laws that prohibit undocumented individuals from obtaining such credentials. Authorities are investigating how Singh was able to secure his license, the enforcement of regulations, and whether state agencies acted compliantly.
The Fatal Accident and Legal Consequences
Singh’s semi-truck made an illegal U-turn on the busy Florida Turnpike, leading to a devastating collision that killed three people. After the incident, he fled to California but was subsequently apprehended by U.S. marshals following an arrest warrant issued by Florida authorities. Singh faces three counts of vehicular homicide and remains in federal custody. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has placed an immigration detainer on him, planning to transfer custody after the criminal proceedings.
The Process for Obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License
A Commercial Driver’s License is mandatory for driving heavy vehicles like semi-trucks, established by both federal and state laws. Candidates must demonstrate a clean driving record, legal residency or citizenship status, pass medical examinations, and show competency in English to navigate road signs and communications. Green card holders can legally pursue CDL licensing, but undocumented immigrants are generally barred from obtaining these permits.
In addition to driving skills, applicants often must undergo background checks and tests to ensure they are qualified to safely operate commercial vehicles.
Questions Surrounding California’s CDL Issuance
Singh’s case has drawn attention to California’s issuance of a limited commercial driver’s license to him, despite his immigration status and failure of an English proficiency test. Federal transportation authorities are investigating whether California violated federal regulations by licensing Singh prematurely or without adequate verification.
These revelations spotlight broader concerns about the rigor of state-level enforcement in the licensing process, especially for foreign and immigrant drivers.
Industry and Government Responses
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) supports the federal government’s recent decision to pause work visas for foreign truck drivers and tighten licensing standards. ATA President Chris Spear called for mandatory adherence to rigorous entry-level driver training and scrutinizing noncompliant or fraudulent CDL issuances to maintain road safety.
The trucking industry faces a serious driver shortage, yet safety advocates stress that this shortage does not justify compromising standards. The federal government is enhancing vetting and background checks to balance workforce needs and public safety.
Challenges at the Intersection of Immigration and Road Safety
Singh’s case underscores the complex intersection of immigration law, state licensing, and transportation safety regulation. In response, federal agencies have introduced new English proficiency requirements and tighter screening for commercial drivers with foreign backgrounds. Trucking schools and licensing entities are adjusting accordingly to align with these evolving standards.
For immigrant truck drivers aiming to work legally in the U.S., the pathway includes proving lawful residency, passing rigorous training and competency assessments, and meeting medical and language criteria. The situation calls for ongoing vigilance from regulators to ensure compliance and safety on American highways.