Chandigarh — The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles has revoked 1,790 non-domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licences, a move community groups say disproportionately affects Punjabi Sikh long-haul truck drivers. The cancellations took effect April 1 under House Enrolled Act 1200, which limits non-domiciled CDLs to holders of only three visa categories: H-2A (temporary agricultural workers), H-2B (other temporary workers), and E-2 (treaty investors). Many other foreign nationals, including some with prior work authorization, no longer qualify.
The BMV mailed notices to affected drivers on March 16. Gregory Dunn, the agency’s executive director of communications, said nearly all non-domiciled CDL holders in the state have lost their commercial driving privileges. Impacted drivers are weighing options such as downgrading to standard driver’s licenses, seeking other employment, or pursuing appeals through advocacy groups including UNITED SIKHS.
State legislators moved to tighten eligibility after several fatal truck crashes involving drivers with non-domiciled CDLs, including a crash in Hendricks County linked to Sukhdeep Singh. Officials have stressed the risks posed by heavy commercial vehicles and argued for verified driving records, English-language competency, and rigorous training for CDL holders.
Indiana’s action follows a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration rule that increased oversight of foreign CDL holders; the state is the first to impose such broad limits. Earlier this year California also canceled or reviewed thousands of immigrant drivers’ licenses, many held by Punjabi Sikhs. The changes come amid a national shortage of truck drivers, complicating logistics and employment for those affected.
Drivers impacted by the Indiana cancellations are advised to review information on the BMV website or contact local BMV offices about appeal procedures and the limited visa exceptions that remain.
