California Upgrades Trucker’s License Before Fatal Crash, DOT Reports

BREAKING: A devastating crash on the 10 Freeway in San Bernardino County has left three dead and four injured, raising urgent questions about California’s compliance with federal driving regulations. Federal officials confirmed that the state unlawfully upgraded Jashanpreet Singh‘s commercial driver’s license (CDL) just weeks after new rules barred illegal immigrants from holding such licenses.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy placed the blame squarely on California Governor Gavin Newsom, stating that the tragic incident could have been prevented if state officials had adhered to federal guidelines. Duffy announced, “California broke the law, and now three people are dead and two are hospitalized. These people deserve justice. There will be consequences.”

The federal restrictions, which became effective on September 26, 2025, require states to verify an applicant’s legal status before issuing a CDL. However, Singh, a 21-year-old Indian national, had his driving privileges expanded on October 15—the same day as his birthday. Officials reported that the California Department of Motor Vehicles neglected to enforce the stricter standards mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT).

According to the report, Singh initially received a restricted CDL on June 27, allowing only intrastate travel. After the federal agency informed California of “significant compliance failures,” the state was given a 30-day window to rectify these issues. Instead, Singh’s restrictions were lifted without adhering to the new regulations.

The horrific crash occurred when Singh allegedly drove his semi-truck into slow-moving traffic, resulting in a fiery collision that was captured on dashcam. Duffy emphasized that the USDOT’s emergency rule was specifically designed to prevent individuals like Singh from operating commercial vehicles.

In the aftermath, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has issued an arrest detainer for Singh, indicating that local authorities must notify federal agents before his release.

As investigations continue, this tragic event highlights the pressing need for stringent enforcement of driving regulations to ensure public safety. Authorities are now focusing on accountability and the legal ramifications for those involved in Singh’s license upgrade.

Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as authorities work to uncover all facets of this tragic incident.