Florida Crash Prompts Driver Licensing Ultimatum
A fatal crash in Florida that resulted in the deaths of three individuals has led Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to urge states to adhere to commercial driver licensing regulations. However, two of the three states cited by Duffy assert they are compliant with the rules.
Details of the Incident
The situation escalated when Harjinder Singh, an undocumented immigrant from India, allegedly caused the crash while making an illegal U-turn on a Florida turnpike on August 12. Singh’s commercial driver’s license was originally issued in California, having previously held one in Washington. Duffy pointed out that during a traffic stop in New Mexico, Singh’s truck was not taken “out of service.”
Deadline for Compliance
Duffy has set a 30-day deadline for states to align with federal law, threatening their federal funding through the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program if they fail to comply. “States that don’t comply with our rules will not be tolerated,” Duffy emphasized at a recent press conference.
Response from California Officials
In the aftermath of the crash, federal investigators revealed that Singh did not pass English proficiency and road sign tests. California Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom’s office contended that they were in compliance with federal guidelines when issuing Singh’s license, shifting blame onto the Trump administration for the oversight.
Counterarguments from Homeland Security
Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin refuted claims from Newsom, clarifying that Singh’s work authorization was actually rejected under the Trump Administration, and only approved under Biden in 2021.
State Responses and Concerns
Michael Coleman, spokesperson for New Mexico’s Democratic Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, expressed confidence that a comprehensive review would confirm the state complies with licensing laws. New Mexico emphasizes that safety is paramount, requiring English tests to ensure drivers understand road signs.
Ongoing Investigations in Washington
The Washington Department of Licensing is currently investigating how Singh was able to obtain a commercial driver’s license there. Duffy reiterated the importance of road safety, stressing the need for proper training and understanding of road signs among commercial drivers.
