WASHINGTON, Jan 7 (Reuters) – The U.S. ​Transportation Department said ‌on Wednesday it is ‌withholding approximately $160 million in federal funds from the ⁠state ‌of California for failing to ‍cancel over 17,000 improperly issued commercial driver’s ​licenses held by ‌non-U.S. citizens.

The department first warned in September it could take action. USDOT said ⁠California had ​failed to ​revoke the licenses by the ‍agreed ⁠upon deadline of January 5.

(Reporting by ⁠David Shepardson in Washington; ‌Editing by ‌Chris Reese)