Support grows for the trucker bathroom access act as lawmakers address longstanding industry concerns.A bipartisan group of lawmakers has reintroduced a bill in the U.S. House of Representatives aimed at ensuring commercial truck drivers have consistent access to restroom facilities while on the job — a basic necessity that has long been a point of contention within the industry.
The legislation, known as the Trucker Bathroom Access Act, is championed by Representatives Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Chrissy Houlahan (D-Pa.), who are leading the charge to get the bill passed during this Congressional session.
“Truckers are this nation’s backbone,” said Rep. Nehls, who chairs the House Aviation Subcommittee. “They keep our country moving, and they deserve access to restrooms during their routes it’s just common sense.”
His co-lead, Rep. Houlahan, emphasized the growing role of women in the trucking workforce and the added challenges they face due to inadequate restroom availability at delivery and pickup sites.
“As female drivers increasingly fill essential roles in trucking, lack of restroom access creates a major barrier to entry and retention,” said Houlahan, a member of the Armed Services Committee. “This bill ensures all truck drivers regardless of gender have the dignity of access to basic facilities while performing their critical jobs.”
What the Legislation Would Do
The proposed law mandates that operators of shippers, receivers, warehouses, and distribution centers must provide restroom access to commercial drivers delivering or picking up cargo, as long as it does not interfere with normal business operations. Access must be on par with what is offered to employees and customers.
Although referred to a relevant committee for further consideration, the bill has not yet been scheduled for a vote. It mirrors legislation introduced in the previous Congressional session but aims to garner broader support this time around.
Industry Backing and Broader Impacts
The bill has received support from key industry stakeholders, including the American Trucking Associations (ATA), one of the nation’s most prominent voices for commercial transportation.
“This isn’t just about comfort — it’s about human dignity,” said ATA President Chris Spear. “Truck drivers spend long hours waiting to load or unload at facilities. Basic access to restrooms isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. We applaud Reps. Nehls and Houlahan for their leadership.”
Spear also highlighted how the issue affects driver recruitment and retention, especially among women, who now make up a growing share of the driver workforce. According to the Women In Trucking Association, women accounted for over 13% of the professional driver workforce in 2023 a significant increase over the past decade.
Sharae Moore, founder and CEO of She Trucking, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the day-to-day struggles drivers face.
“From tight schedules to limited truck parking, finding clean and safe restrooms is often impossible,” Moore said. “This legislation is a meaningful step toward improving working conditions and attracting more women to the industry.”
Why It Matters
The issue of restroom access for truck drivers gained renewed attention during the COVID-19 pandemic, when restrictions at rest stops and distribution centers became especially pronounced. Many drivers reported being denied restroom access altogether due to facility lockdowns, sparking calls for reform and greater protections.
In addition to human rights and worker dignity, advocates argue that ensuring restroom access is also a matter of public health and sanitation especially as drivers can be on the road for long stretches without reliable stopping points.
What’s Next?
As the bill awaits further action in committee, advocates are urging lawmakers from both parties to prioritize the measure, framing it as a common-sense solution that addresses both economic and workforce challenges in the supply chain.
If passed, the Trucker Bathroom Access Act would not only improve the daily working conditions of America’s 3.5 million truck drivers but also help modernize labor standards across one of the country’s most essential industries.
