A tragic collision on the Florida Turnpike has triggered a federal investigation into commercial driver licensing procedures and motor carrier compliance, after it was revealed the driver involved an undocumented immigrant held CDLs issued by both California and Washington State.
Crash Details: Reckless Maneuver Claims Three Lives
On August 12, a semi-truck operated by 28-year-old Harjinder Singh attempted an unauthorized U-turn on the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, this maneuver led to a violent collision with a minivan, killing all three occupants.
Authorities allege that Singh acted with gross negligence and “without regard for the safety of others.” His actions are now under intense federal scrutiny, raising broader questions about licensing integrity and enforcement nationwide.
Driver Background Raises Licensing Red Flags
Federal and state authorities quickly discovered Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 through the southern border. Despite his immigration status, he managed to obtain a non-domiciled CDL from California in July 2024, and a full-term CDL from Washington in 2023 both questionable under federal eligibility rules.
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), individuals without lawful status, including asylum seekers pending resolution, are not eligible for a full-term CDL. Furthermore, federal law prohibits drivers from holding more than one valid CDL at a time.
The FMCSA has launched a compliance investigation into both states’ CDL issuance procedures to determine whether federal regulations were violated. States are required to verify lawful presence before issuing commercial driving credentials a safeguard that may have failed in this case.
Motor Carrier Under Federal Investigation
The employer, White Hawk Carriers of Ceres, California, is also facing scrutiny. On-site inspections by FMCSA investigators began just two days after the incident. Review of driver qualification files, interviews with company staff, and dashcam footage were part of the probe.
Singh reportedly failed a federally administered English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment, answering only a fraction of the required safety and traffic questions correctly. ELP testing is a key federal requirement to ensure drivers can understand traffic signs and communicate in emergency situations.
As of July 25, FMCSA records show White Hawk Carriers had vehicle out-of-service rates of 23.4% and driver out-of-service rates of 13.4%, both well above the national average.
Regulatory and Political Fallout
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and DHS Secretary Kristi Noem have both pledged to use federal authority to prevent unqualified and undocumented drivers from operating commercial vehicles on U.S. highways.
“This crash was a preventable tragedy one that underscores the critical importance of immigration enforcement and licensing integrity,” said Duffy. “We will hold all responsible parties accountable, from the individual to the state agencies that failed to act.”
American Trucking Associations COO Dan Horvath added that the investigation should bring much-needed clarity. “The system clearly broke down, and we expect FMCSA’s findings to inform improvements to federal oversight,” Horvath stated.
Meanwhile, the issue has reignited political tensions. Secretary Noem accused California of endangering public safety by issuing a CDL to an undocumented immigrant, while California officials pointed out that Singh entered the U.S. during a previous federal administration and insisted that lawful status is a prerequisite for CDLs in the state.
Immigration Enforcement Steps In
Following the crash, Singh and a male passenger reportedly fled Florida and flew to Sacramento. U.S. Marshals arrested Singh under a Florida-issued warrant, charging him with three counts of vehicular homicide. A federal immigration detainer has been placed to ensure he remains in ICE custody following any state-level proceedings.
“This detainer ensures Singh will be transferred to ICE once his criminal case concludes,” said a spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security.
CDL Licensing for Undocumented Immigrants: A National Issue
The case shines a spotlight on the growing tension between state and federal policies on CDL issuance. Nineteen states including California and Washington currently offer standard driver’s licenses to undocumented residents. However, CDLs are subject to stricter federal rules, and states must verify lawful presence before issuance.
Some states may be issuing CDLs under “non-domiciled” classifications, which are typically used for temporary visa holders such as international students or foreign commercial drivers legally working in the U.S. Even so, misclassification, lax verification, or policy gaps may be leading to unqualified drivers slipping through the cracks.
Compounding the issue, the FMCSA recently reinstated English Language Proficiency (ELP) as an out-of-service violation as of June 25, 2025 but not all states have begun enforcing it. Singh’s last known inspection just over a month before the fatal crash occurred in New Mexico, where ELP was reportedly not enforced at the time.
What This Means for the Trucking Industry
This incident raises urgent concerns for motor carriers and CDL training providers across the country:
- Carrier Compliance: Ensure your driver qualification files are complete and federally compliant.
- CDL Verification: Double-check lawful status and CDL validity, particularly for out-of-state hires.
- ELP Enforcement: Stay up to date with FMCSA guidance on ELP requirements and testing procedures.
- State-Federal Gaps: Understand how your state’s licensing laws align or conflict with federal rules.
The tragic consequences of regulatory lapses extend beyond paperwork. This incident is a sobering reminder of the responsibility that comes with placing a 40-ton vehicle on public roads. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines it’s about protecting lives.
