Hawaii Grants Five-Year CDLs Exclusively to Micronesian and Pacific Islanders
Published Date: 5/14/2026
Notice
Summary
The Hawaii Department of Transportation asked for a special rule to let certain Pacific Island residents get regular commercial driver’s licenses in Hawaii. The government said yes—but only for a special kind of license that lasts five years and is for people from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau who live in the U.S. This change starts May 14, 2026, and helps keep roads safe without extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FAS Residents Can Get Non‑Domiciled CDLs
If you are a citizen of the Federated States of Micronesia, the Republic of the Marshall Islands, or the Republic of Palau and you live in the United States, State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) may issue you a non-domiciled commercial learner's permit (CLP) or commercial driver's license (CDL) if you present a valid, unexpired FAS passport and a Form I-94 or I-94A. The exemption applies nationwide to all SDLAs and is effective May 14, 2026 through May 14, 2031; the non-domiciled CLP/CDL validity is limited to the one-year maximum allowed under 49 CFR 383.73(f)(2)(iv).
Federal Preemption for Interstate Use
While this exemption is in effect (May 14, 2026 to May 14, 2031), no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption for a person operating under it, meaning drivers operating under the exemption are protected from conflicting state rules for interstate commerce. FMCSA may also monitor safety and modify or terminate the exemption earlier if needed.
Standard CDLs Still Not Allowed
FMCSA denied Hawaii's request to allow issuance of standard (domiciled) CLPs or CDLs to FAS citizens; SDLAs may only issue non-domiciled CLPs or CDLs under this exemption. The decision also supersedes a prior Oregon exemption that allowed standard CDLs to FAS citizens.
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