DMV asks OTC to end limited‑term nondomicile CDL program after federal rule change

ODOT's DMV administrator, Amy Joyce, told the commission that changes at the federal level made the state's nondomicile limited‑term commercial driver's license program noncompliant and that the department recommended ending the program.

"Failure to abide by regulations regulating commercial driving privileges under the federal regulations can result in very severe penalties from FMCSA, including loss of significant federal funding and, eventually, the decertification of the entire commercial driver's licensing program for a state," Joyce said. She explained the department initially paused the program after an interim rule and subsequently pursued a rules advisory committee; FMCSA issued a preliminary finding of noncompliance and a final federal rule that narrowed state authority.

Joyce said roughly 900 limited‑term credential holders could lose commercial driving privileges at renewal; ODOT will not immediately cancel existing credentials but will be unable to renew them when the holder's authorized stay in the U.S. expires. ODOT flagged a potential federal funding exposure of about $23.5 million in FY27 if compliance is not restored, and described the recommendation as reluctantly necessary to preserve broader federal highway funding and CDL program certification.

Commissioners voiced concern for affected workers and impacted sectors (transit, trucking, school transport); staff said they provided notices to industry groups and would follow up with targeted outreach to affected employers.