New CDL Bill Proposes $100,000 Cabotage Fines

A new bill could bring tougher rules to trucking.

Barron’s Law would require standardized English-language testing for drivers obtaining or renewing a CDL. The proposal would also tighten eligibility requirements and increase penalties for carriers that knowingly use drivers who are not eligible under federal law.

The proposal also targets illegal cabotage. Foreign carriers knowingly conducting unauthorized domestic freight moves could face penalties of up to $100,000 per vehicle for each day of violation.

Barron’s Law would also target chameleon carriers that use new identities to evade federal enforcement, penalties or negative safety histories. The bill has been introduced in Congress but is not law.