Tv10 Punjab
1 January 2026
International Desk
California has announced that it will delay the cancellation of nearly 17,000 commercial driving licenses until March. The decision comes one week after a group of immigrant truck drivers filed a lawsuit against the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The delay is meant to give state officials more time to ensure that legally qualified truck and bus drivers do not lose their licenses unfairly.
According to an Associated Press report, U.S.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that California could lose up to $160 million in federal funding if it fails to meet the January 5 deadline for revoking invalid licenses. He also confirmed that $40 million in funding has already been withheld, accusing California of not properly enforcing English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers.
Following pressure from federal authorities, California had earlier sent notices to invalidate licenses in order to prevent undocumented immigrants from holding commercial driving permits. The move triggered concern and legal action from immigrant driver groups, who argued that the process could harm lawful drivers as well.
Secretary Duffy stated on social media platform X that California does not have an “extension” to ignore federal law. State officials, however, say the delay will help them review cases carefully and protect drivers who meet all legal requirements.
The issue highlights ongoing tension between state and federal authorities over immigration enforcement and transportation safety rules.