Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation Wednesday aimed at improving safety on Alabama’s highways by requiring certain commercial vehicle operators to meet federal work-authorization and communication standards.
) - Gov. Kay Ivey signed legislation Wednesday aimed at improving safety on Alabama ’s highways by requiring certain commercial vehicle operators to meet federal work-authorization and communication standards.
The law requires commercial driver’s license holders operating in Alabama who have a foreign CDL to possess valid U.S. work authorization. It also requires all CDL holders to demonstrate English proficiency and makes 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,” Ivey said. “At the same time, Alabama families travel these same highways every single day, and they deserve to know the rules are being enforced.” Sen. Lance Bell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure strengthens safeguards for Alabama motorists while supporting 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,” Bell said. Rep. Steve Clouse, who carried the legislation in the House, said the bill is intended to add accountability across Alabama’s transportation system. “The passage of the Highway Safety and Fairness Act helps ensure fairness, accountability and safety across Alabama’s transportation system,” Clouse said. Supporters of the legislation pointed to recent enforcement efforts as part of the backdrop for the measure. Since Oct. 27, 2025, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit has referred more than 555 people to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement for immigration status verification following commercial motor vehicle inspections and passenger-vehicle stops. Of those referrals, 221 people were detained by ICE based on their immigration status. In addition to collaborating with ICE, motor carrier unit troopers conduct English-proficiency tests that are federally mandated to ensure drivers can read highway signs, understand safety instructions and communicate with law enforcement during inspections or emergencies.In 2025, Alabama recorded 106 fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles, the lowest number since 2021. In several high-crash corridors, ALEA troopers reported a decline in commercial motor vehicle crashes. Compared with the period from Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2024, commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities decreased 25% in 2025. Overall, commercial motor vehicle-related fatalities declined 10% statewide from 2024 to 2025. The legislation builds on ongoing enforcement efforts by ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit, which conducts inspections and traffic stops involving commercial motor vehicles across the state.Monday shooting leaves man critically injured in MontgomeryDish drops Gray Media’s stations over unprecedented new demand to reshape the television industry to enrich its owner
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