New Trucker Regulations Coming To Alabama This October
Gov. Ivey signed Senate Bill 242, otherwise known as the Highway Safety Bill today. Sponsored by Shelby/St. Clair/Talladega counties Sen. Lance Bell (R-21), the bill is aimed at illegal trucking operators.
The legislation covers several areas of trucking:
- It requires certain commercial driver license holders to possess a United States work authorization to operate a commercial motor vehicle within the state,
- Requires an operator of a commercial motor vehicle to have proficiency in the English language,
- Provides for certain impoundment procedures,
- Creates the offense of presenting a false foreign commercial driver license,
- Creates the offense of operating a commercial motor vehicle without proper documentation; and
- Provide for penalties.
“Alabama’s economy is booming, and our hardworking truckers play a vital role in keeping goods moving across our state and across this country. At the same time, Alabama families travel these same highways every single day, and they deserve to know the rules are being enforced,” Ivey told media at the signing ceremony in her office. "If you cannot read, write and speak English, you do not need to be driving a commercial vehicle on our roads.”
Ivey was surrounded by Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) State Troopers, lawmakers and Alabama Trucking Operation board members as she put pen to paper.
Sen. Bell said the measure strengthens safeguards for Alabama motorists while supporting legitimate commercial drivers who follow the rules. Dale/Houston counties Rep. Steve Clouse (R-93) agreed, saying the bill ensures accountability across Alabama’s transportation system.
According to ALEA, their Motor Carrier Safety Unit has referred more than 555 people to ICE (Emigration and Customs Enforcement) since October 2025. 221 of them were detained.
SB242 takes effect October 1st.
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