California’s extension of CDL enforcement to March 2026 has intensified tensions with federal regulators. While the state may delay action administratively, commercial licensing is governed by federal safety and interstate commerce standards. Continued reliance on extensions risks audits, conditional or delayed highway funding, FMCSA program restrictions, and loss of interstate license recognition. Enforcement may be staged, but federal rules ultimately prevail.

USDOT and FMCSA are cracking down on non-domiciled CDLs. All commercial drivers, from truckers to school and city bus operators, must meet stricter eligibility and in-person renewal rules. California must comply quickly or risk losing federal highway funding. These changes aim to keep our streets and highways safe.