Oklahoma’s Illegal Truck Driver Crisis

Recent tragic events have exposed the risks posed by illegal truck drivers. Oklahoma is now attempting to crack down on these drivers and their employers. A recent Tulsa World article covered a law enforcement sweep on I-40. That sweep found that over one in four of the drivers stopped were undocumented. To make matters worse, many of those had prior convictions for crimes like drug smuggling, human trafficking, or prior deportations.

When it comes to massive big rig trucks, an unsafe driver poses a significant public safety risk due to the massive, destructive potential of their vehicles in crashes. This is not just an Oklahoma problem; it highlights systemic failures nationwide.

The Oklahoma crackdown

According to Commissioner of Public Safety Tim Tipton, 25.9% of the truckers stopped in the initiative were not legally in the United States. Out of around 520 trucks stopped, over 120 drivers or co-drivers were ultimately detained. Some of those stopped were linked to serious offenses and organized crime, and others had previously been deported.

Among the states the report names as having issued questionable CDLs are California, New York, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. Tipton also pointed out that 80,000-lb vehicles at highway speeds do not cause “minor collisions,” further expressing the need to take this issue seriously.

Fatal crashes fuel federal action

The issue of undocumented truck drivers recently made headlines following a tragic crash. A driver who turned out to be an immigrant who had a CDL, even though he never should have been issued one, made an illegal U-turn. That dangerous maneuver caused a crash that killed three people. Another crash in Texas involving a truck driver who failed to brake caused a 17-car pile-up, killing five people. An inexperienced truck driver who was also an immigrant killed two people in Alabama when he didn’t brake at a red light and collided with four stopped vehicles.

The federal Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is responding by issuing an order calling for a nationwide audit. Some states, like California, Colorado, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, and Washington, were exposed by that audit for improperly issuing licenses.

New federal CDL rules

New rules will now limit the ability of certain immigrants to acquire a CDL. As of late September 2025, those who wish to drive a commercial vehicle will need to have H-2A, H-2B, or E-2 visas to apply. States will need to verify lawful immigration status through federal databases. Licenses for these drivers are valid for one year or until the visa expiration date, whichever comes sooner.

The new laws could have a massive impact. According to estimates, there are approximately 200,000 noncitizen CDL holders in the U.S. currently. Of that number, only about 10,000 will qualify going forward, given the new rules. There will also be an enforcement pause, during which all states must suspend the issuance of noncitizen CDLs until they ensure compliance with these updates.

The need for trucking regulations that prioritize public safety

The takeaway from this crisis is that when states fail to perform proper vetting, unqualified drivers end up behind the wheel. Whether it’s drivers with criminal convictions, language barriers, inadequate training, or a lack of oversight, anything that increases the risk of collisions involving these massive vehicles is putting lives at risk.

However, the trucking industry has claimed that it is suffering from a shortage of drivers. Removing unsafe drivers may force these companies to improve wages to attract U.S. drivers.

Protecting victims of truck crashes

Victims of crashes often face catastrophic injuries. Unsafe or unlicensed truck drivers should never be permitted on the road, where they can cause severe harm like fatalities, spinal cord injuries, brain trauma, and amputations.

At Biby Law Firm, we hold negligent trucking companies, licensing authorities, and insurers accountable when they allow dangerous drivers to operate massive commercial vehicles. Our attorneys are well-equipped to handle cases involving complex trucking litigation. We enlist the help of experts, investigators, and federal regulations to build strong cases. While preventing dangerous drivers from getting licenses in the first place is good policy, sometimes companies cut corners and endanger the public as a result. When this happens, you need an experienced truck crash lawyer who can step in and fight for you and your family.

Reach out today to speak to a personal injury lawyer

Oklahoma’s efforts have exposed the shocking realization that around a quarter of truck drivers at a major port of entry were undocumented. These findings reveal a genuine crisis, which is thankfully now on the national radar. While federal rules are tightening, they can’t immediately eliminate all unsafe drivers on the road. Public safety demands strict accountability, and victims deserve strong advocacy when reckless or unqualified drivers cause them injuries. If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck crash, Biby Law Firm is here to help. Contact us today or complete our contact form to schedule a complimentary consultation with an experienced truck crash attorney.