Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a bill to increase penalties for unlicensed commercial driver\u2019s license (CDL) training schools.<\/p>\n
On July 20, 2026, Sen. Judy Ward announced that her Senate Bill 1294<\/a>\u00a0was signed into law.<\/p>\n Ward says that new law will \u201ccrack down on unlicensed commercial driver training schools, commonly referred to as \u2018CDL mills.’\u201d<\/p>\n The bill increases the maximum civil penalty for operating a CDL school without authorization from the Pennsylvania Department of Education from the current $2,500 to $25,000.<\/p>\n The law does not apply to private employers who provide their own CDL training to employees at no cost.<\/p>\n Ward said that the bill was passed in the wake of a Senate Transportation Committee hearing that raised concerns about \u201cunauthorized schools operating outside Pennsylvania\u2019s regulatory framework and federal entry-level driver training requirements.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cCommercial driver\u2019s license holders operate the largest vehicles on our roadways, and the training they receive has a direct impact on public safety,\u201d Ward said. \u201cBy holding unlicensed training providers accountable, we are protecting motorists and ensuring the next generation of commercial drivers receives the essential skill set and respects the CDL credential.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThe commonwealth\u2019s trucking industry depends on highly skilled and well-trained driving professionals to keep our economy moving,\u201d Ward said. \u201cA CDL credential should represent quality training, demonstrated competency and a commitment to safety. This new law reinforces those standards to keep Pennsylvania\u2019s families safe when traveling on our roadways.\u201d<\/p>\n CDL training providers have come under increased scrutiny from both state and federal authorities this year.<\/p>\n Last week, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said it would join federal transportation authorities in investigating dozens of truck driver training schools for fraudulent activity<\/a>.<\/p>\n