Small Business in Transportation Coalition asks federal court to decertify New York and California CDL programs

A trucking trade group is asking a federal court to require the U.S. Department of Transportation to revoke, or “decertify,” the commercial driver’s license programs for New York and California, according to a report describing the petition.

The petitioner is the Small Business in Transportation Coalition, a group representing small businesses in the transportation sector. FreightWaves reported that the coalition’s request would strip state authority for CDL programs and force federal regulators to take action on the states’ certifications.

The coalition’s petition argues that the federal government has authority to decertify state CDL programs, and it seeks court enforcement of that authority against New York and California. The report described the filing as an attempt to compel DOT to act rather than allowing the states’ programs to continue without federal reconsideration.

The request is centered on the CDL system used for commercial driving, which is intended to standardize eligibility and licensing requirements across states through federal oversight. New York and California would be the immediate focus of any relief granted by the court, based on the coalition’s petition.

The court process would determine whether DOT is required to take action and whether the states’ CDL programs remain authorized during any litigation. Until a decision is issued, the practical impact would depend on the court’s order, including whether any temporary relief is granted.

The coalition’s effort also places the question of federal versus state authority for CDL administration before the court, because DOT’s role includes certifying and overseeing state program performance under federal rules. The coalition’s petition, as described, frames the dispute around the adequacy of federal certification and the conditions under which DOT can decertify state programs.