blog-logo
Go Drive

LEGAL • May 27, 2025

New 2025 Oklahoma CDL Rules: Visa, English, and Enforcement—Are You Ready?

3 minutes read

As of mid-2025, Oklahoma has passed sweeping changes affecting commercial driver license (CDL) holders and carriers operating within the state. The Oklahoma Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025 introduces strict new requirements targeting work authorization, identity verification, and English language proficiency.

If you employ or contract drivers—especially non-domiciled operators—here’s what you need to know before your next load crosses into Oklahoma.

Key Changes Introduced by SB20

🔒 1. Proof of Citizenship and Valid Work Visa Required

Non-domiciled CDL holders (e.g., foreign drivers operating under a U.S. visa) must now:
  • Hold a valid work visa.
  • Carry proof of citizenship—either a passport, birth certificate, or naturalization document.

Penalties:
  • Carriers face a $3,000 fine per violation.
  • Drivers face up to $1,000 in fines and 90 days in jail.
  • Non-compliant drivers will be prohibited from operating in Oklahoma until they meet requirements.

All fines are earmarked for improvements to weigh stations and trauma care services.

🗣️ 2. English Proficiency Now Mandatory

Drivers must demonstrate the ability to:
  • Converse with the public and enforcement officers.
  • Read and understand English traffic signs and signals.
  • Complete reports and respond to official inquiries.

Drivers failing to meet this standard face prohibition from driving in Oklahoma and may also face misdemeanor charges with similar penalties to the visa violations.


🚜 3. Restricted CDL for Agriculture Sector

Drivers 18+ involved in specific farm-related services (e.g., agri-chemical transport, livestock feeders) may obtain a restricted CDL:
  • Valid only for 150-mile radius operations.
  • Limited to Class B or C vehicles.
  • Exempt from standard knowledge and skills tests.
  • Cannot haul hazardous materials, except diesel ≤1,000 gallons or fertilizer in limited quantities.

📛 4. Special License Designations

Oklahoma will also modify licenses in other cases:
  • Sex offenders classified as habitual or aggravated will receive IDs labeled “Sex Offender.”
  • Drivers with ignition interlock requirements will have licenses marked “Interlock Required.”
  • Drivers granted modified driving privileges will receive a specially marked license.

⚠️ Enforcement Procedure and Carrier Liability

If a violation is found:
  • The carrier is notified and has 12 hours to provide a compliant replacement driver or transfer the cargo.
  • The cargo owner will be notified if the carrier fails to act in time.
  • The state is not liable for any costs or damages from transferring the cargo.

🚛 Why This Matters for Carriers and Dispatchers

Failing to prepare for these changes could mean:
  • Delayed shipments
  • Vehicle impoundment
  • Cargo transfers mid-route
  • And costly legal penalties

Whether you're a fleet manager, safety coordinator, or owner-operator, it’s critical to verify:
  • Your drivers are carrying proper documents.
  • Your dispatchers understand new English proficiency requirements.
  • You have a response plan if a driver is stopped under these rules.

✅ What You Should Do Now

  1. Audit your driver roster for visa and citizenship compliance.
  2. Provide English support resources to non-native speakers.
  3. Update your driver handbook to include SB20 compliance steps.
  4. Review contracts with non-domiciled drivers for clear responsibilities.
  5. Train dispatchers to respond promptly to roadside violations.

Oklahoma isn’t just tightening regulations—they’re enforcing them with real consequences. The Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act of 2025 is a clear signal that states are becoming more proactive about highway safety and driver compliance.

Stay ahead of the curve. Don’t let a preventable paperwork issue become a costly operational setback.