To amend title 49, United States Code, to grant the United States Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico eligibility to issue commercial driver's licenses, and for other purposes.
Sponsored By: Representative Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large]
In Committee
Summary
This bill would extend commercial driver's license (CDL) issuing eligibility to Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. It would also align how federal highway apportionments count for penalties, direct the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to help the territories meet chapter 313 safety rules, and provide a five-year grace period before certain highway funds could be withheld for noncompliance.
Show full summary
- Residents and commercial drivers in Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Would let local authorities issue CDLs so drivers and local fleets can meet federal commercial licensing standards and operate across jurisdictions.
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and territorial governments: Would require the FMCSA to collaborate with Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands to obtain full compliance with chapter 313 and its regulations, creating a cooperative implementation path.
- Federal highway funding and penalties: Would treat amounts apportioned to the U.S. Virgin Islands as required for penalty calculations and would shield both territories from withholding of certain highway apportionments for five years if they fail to meet the specified section 31311(a) requirements.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
CDL licensing in Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands
If enacted, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands would be added to federal commercial driver safety rules. Their agencies could move toward issuing commercial driver’s licenses under those rules. The federal motor carrier agency would work with them to reach full compliance. This support would start at enactment.
Five-year highway funds shield for territories
If enacted, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands would keep receiving certain federal highway formula funds for five years after enactment. During this period, those funds would not be withheld for missing specific commercial driver program requirements. This gives a transition window while they work toward compliance.
Penalty rule for U.S. Virgin Islands funds
If enacted, money treated as apportioned to the U.S. Virgin Islands would count as required apportioned money for penalty decisions under transportation law. This could allow penalties to be applied to those funds. The change would start at enactment.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Del. Plaskett, Stacey E. [D-VI-At Large]
VI • D
Cosponsors
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
PR • D
Sponsored 9/30/2025
Edwards
NC • R
Sponsored 9/30/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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