RAPID CITY, S.D. — In a surprising turn of events, South Dakota has found itself on the non-compliance list issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation, specifically regarding the issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). This compliance issue not only highlights the state’s administrative challenges but also emphasizes the importance and complexities of adhering to federal and international regulations.
As the heart of a largely rural state with vast agricultural interests, South Dakota plays a crucial role in the nation’s supply chain logistics, relying heavily on commercial drivers to transport goods across the plains and beyond. This reliance makes the state’s non-compliance with CDL regulations a significant issue, one that prompted immediate action by the South Dakota Department of Public Safety.
Recognized among six other states with systemic non-compliance issues, South Dakota’s problems primarily stem from the issuance of CDL end dates that extend beyond the expiration of holders’ immigration documents. This is compounded by the issuance of CDLs to Canadian drivers, contradicting the agreement between the U.S. and Canada that stipulates Canadians should obtain their licenses in their home country.
Following the Department of Transportation’s report, South Dakota’s Department of Public Safety has temporarily halted the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs to address these regulatory concerns. In response to new federal rules, the department is now requiring non-citizen applicants to present proof of unexpired work visas and passports at each issuance and renewal of non-domiciled CDLs. Furthermore, the new rules mandate that states set CDL expiration dates no later than one year from issuance.
Dusty Johnson
Congressman Dusty Johnson, a prominent figure in addressing this compliance issue, commented on the findings of the initial review, stating, “It was a pretty remarkable audit, I mean really over the last 50 years or so, I think we’ve been, in South Dakota, we’ve been, we’ve become accustomed to having a state government that generally performs pretty well, as far do our agencies carry out state and federal law.”
Johnson’s office disclosed that these compliance issues were primarily caused by human error, which has now been corrected. Some corrections were made on the very same day they were discovered, showcasing the state’s commitment to resolving these issues swiftly. The congressman’s proactive approach includes co-sponsoring federal legislation to cement the one-year expiration rule for non-domiciled CDLs, ensuring long-term compliance and integrity.
The South Dakota Department of Public Safety has released a statement recognizing the inconsistencies found and the immediate measures taken to rectify them. The statement reads, “We have corrected the six inconsistencies that were found and have temporarily stopped issuing non-domiciled CDLs until we can verify there were no other errors. We are also determining whether additional controls are needed to stay compliant with the new executive order.”
For a state deeply embedded in supporting national industries such as agriculture and manufacturing, maintaining compliance is not only a regulatory necessity but also a matter of state pride and economic survival. South Dakota’s commercial drivers serve as a lifeline, ensuring the seamless transportation of goods that support industries locally and nationwide.
Moving forward, South Dakota legislators have shown interest in strengthening state laws to align with federal requirements more effectively. Johnson hinted earlier this week that legislative changes could be imminent, stating, “I talked to two state legislators just in the last 24 hours, both of whom told me, they’re looking into state legislation to try to make sure that South Dakota ups its game.” With these changes, South Dakota aims to restore its standing as a state committed to regulatory excellence.
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As South Dakota takes significant steps to rectify these issues, the state’s dedication to compliance and integrity remains steadfast. The road to compliance may be challenging, but the state’s commitment to its commercial transportation sector ensures that it will continue to play a vital role in the nation’s logistics and supply chain fields.