MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday, March 11, signed Senate Bill 242, legislation aimed at improving safety on Alabama’s highways by ensuring commercial motor vehicle operators meet federal work authorization and communication standards.
Surrounded by state troopers, Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) Secretary Hal Taylor, bill sponsors State Sen. Lance Bell and Rep. Steve Clouse, along with Alabama Trucking Association (ATA) President and CEO Mark Colson and board members, Governor Ivey signed SB242 into law in her office.
The legislation requires commercial driver license (CDL) holders operating in Alabama who hold a foreign CDL to possess valid U.S. work authorization and mandates that all CDL holders demonstrate English language proficiency. It also establishes a criminal offense for presenting a false foreign CDL during enforcement encounters.
“Alabama’s economy is booming, and our hardworking truckers play a vital role in keeping goods moving across our state and across this country,” said Governor Ivey. “At the same time, Alabama families travel these same highways every single day, and they deserve to know the rules are being enforced. If you cannot read, write and speak English, you do not need to be driving a commercial vehicle on our roads.”
Sen. Lance Bell, the bill’s sponsor, emphasized that the measure strengthens safeguards for Alabama motorists while supporting legitimate commercial drivers who follow the rules.
“The Highway Safety and Fairness Act is about protecting Alabama families and ensuring the integrity of our trucking industry,” said Sen. Bell. “By giving law enforcement additional tools to address fraudulent licenses, enforce existing federal standards, and hold bad actors accountable, this legislation helps keep our highways safe while supporting the hardworking Alabama truckers who follow the rules every day. I commend my colleagues in the Legislature for supporting this bill and thank Governor Kay Ivey for signing this important measure into law.”
Rep. Steve Clouse, who carried the legislation in the House, affirmed that the bill ensures accountability across Alabama’s transportation system.
The legislation builds upon ongoing enforcement efforts conducted by ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU), which conducts inspections and traffic stops involving commercial motor vehicles statewide.
SB242 takes effect October 1, 2026.
