The DOT has vowed to clamp down on CDL mills, and roadside inspections are how they plan to do that. Since the President’s Executive Order, English proficiency has become a major sticking point at roadside inspections, which is driving the DOT to dig into the policies and procedures for CDL licensing.
In California, the DMV manages the commercial driver’s license (CDL) program.
When drivers contact us about problems discovered during roadside inspections, we often hear frustration about CDL mills and inconsistent training standards in other states.
CDL holders in California must meet and maintain a higher standard due to the inherent risks and responsibilities associated with the operation of much large vehicles, managing their passenger’s safety, or transporting HAZMAT or hazardous materials (HM).
These issues could directly impact safety, licensing, and a driver’s livelihood. We have been able to assist many commercial drivers with legal issues at the Weigh Station along I-80 through Truckee, CA, a vital freight corridor to the Bay Area port.
The Growing Problem Behind CDL Mills
In recent years, CDL mills have spread across the country. These unregulated training providers push new drivers through programs that lack proper instruction and hands-on experience.
Many of these so-called “schools” operate under federal self-certification, meaning they can train drivers without state licensing.
Some offer only a few hours of classroom or video-based lessons before sending students to the DMV for testing. The result? Undertrained drivers on the road and more problems during roadside inspections, especially when the driver lacks English proficiency.
CDL holders not proficient in the English language should get an English language app for their phones and practice while driving.
Likewise, we can help resolve commercial traffic tickets for logbook violations, overweight trucks, unsafe land changes, speeding, and others.
How Deregulation Fueled Unsafe Training
Before 2022, earning a CDL required state-approved instruction emphasizing safety, compliance, and demonstrated hands-on driving skills.
But federal changes allowed anyone to self-certify as a training provider; there was no state license or state certification testing required.
That created two pathways to a CDL:
- Licensed Schools – Full programs with certified instructors and proper testing.
- Self-Certified Trainers – Minimal oversight, where it is easier to produce poorly prepared drivers.
Now many of the self-certified trainers are actually quite good teachers. But unfortunately, not all of them.
The difference is clear on California’s highways and across the USA. Many truck accidents on our nation’s highways can be traced back to poor driver training, drivers who can’t read English well enough to react to warning signs, or missed safety procedures.
NOTE: “Until further notice, the California DMV cannot issue, reissue, or renew limited-term legal presence (non-domiciled) commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). Learn more here.”—The CA DMV online portal.
The Link Between CDL Mills and Roadside Inspections
At weigh stations like Truckee’s, roadside inspections reveal the quality of a driver’s training. Incomplete logbooks, missing safety gear, and improper load securement often point back to gaps in education.
Commercial drivers can face:
- Fines or out-of-service orders
- CSA severity points
- Employer penalties or job loss
These problems hit especially hard for non-citizen drivers now facing stricter DMV verification rules.
While the new policies don’t affect existing CDL holders, who are proficient in the English language, renewals could become more difficult, creating added stress for hardworking drivers trying to stay compliant.
Many drivers are proficient in English, but get nervous during the roadside test.
The Push for Stronger Oversight
The DMV in several states, including California, has started cracking down on unlicensed training schools. These actions aim to restore safety and trust in the commercial driving profession.
Potential solutions include:
- Requiring all CDL trainers to hold valid state licenses
- Enforcing penalties for false certification
- Supporting stricter inspection and compliance checks, including a minimum number of hours of hands-on driver’s training in the vehicle.
When proper training returns to the forefront, both drivers and the public benefit.
Contact Bigger & Harman About Traffic Tickets and Issues at Roadside Inspections
If a roadside inspection on I-80 near Truckee resulted in a traffic ticket, Bigger & Harman can help. Our traffic attorneys understand the unique challenges commercial drivers face in Nevada County and across California.
We assist drivers with tickets involving logbook errors, speed violations, and safety compliance issues discovered during inspections. Protecting your CDL means protecting your career—and that starts with having the right legal support.
Reach out to Bigger & Harman, APC, at (661) 349-9300, email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com, or use our secureonline contact form for a free consultation. Se habla Español at 349-9755.
We regularly defend commercial driving clients in Truckee Traffic Court. We serve commercial drivers navigating I-80 in Nevada County. We can help them protect their license, driving record, and livelihoods after issues uncovered during roadside inspections or traffic stops.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What are roadside inspections, and why are they important?
A: Roadside inspections are routine safety checks by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the CHP. They help ensure trucks, equipment, and drivers meet federal and state safety standards.
Q: Can drivers who struggle with English still get a CDL?
A: CDL holders must understand road signs and communicate with officers in English during roadside inspections and traffic stops without using a translator. Failure to do so may result in an Out-of-Service (OOS) order until the driver can pass the English proficiency test.
Q: How can a traffic attorney help after a roadside inspection citation?
A: An experienced and knowledgeable attorney can review your citation, represent you in court, and work to reduce or dismiss penalties that threaten your CDL.
References:
The CA DMV online portal.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.