West Virginia Requires Work Visas and Proof of Citizenship for Non-Domiciled Commercial Drivers Starting July 2026

Original title: West Virginia Safe Trucking Act 2026

Last action · January 20, 2026: To House Government AdminstrationSponsors: Eric Brooks and 5 others

Bill progressHistory & official text ↓

Introduced

Committee

Floor Vote

Passed

Law

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What This Bill Proposed

Starting July 1, 2026, non-domiciled commercial drivers and learner's permit holders in West Virginia must possess a valid work visa and provide proof of citizenship using a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or valid passport while operating. s employing drivers violating these rules face fines of up to $3,000 per violation, and non-compliant drivers are prohibited from operating until they meet identification standards.

Why it matters

Commercial drivers operating with non-domiciled licenses and their employing motor carriers face new verification mandates, operating bans, and financial penalties reaching up to $5,000 for non-compliance.

Who It Would Have Affected

Groups the bill's text would have affected, as described in the record. Being affected is not a position for or against it.

Directly affected

Non-domiciled commercial drivers

Must carry a valid work visa and proof of citizenship while operating, and face operating prohibitions and misdemeanor charges for non-compliance.

Directly affected

Commercial motor carriers

Face fines of up to $3,000 per violation if their driver is found in violation of identification requirements, and must coordinate fine payment and driver replacement to recover vehicles.

Directly affected

Cargo owners

Receive notification to arrange cargo transfer to another vehicle if the motor carrier fails to pay fines or present a qualified driver within 12 hours.

Key Facts

You don't have to trust us. Each fact below is taken straight from the official document - click any one to see the exact passage, highlighted in the original.

Frequently Asked Questions

What documents can be used to show proof of citizenship under the act?

Proof of citizenship can be demonstrated through the presentation of a birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or valid passport.

What happens if a commercial motor carrier cannot pay the fine or provide a qualified driver within 12 hours?

The owner of any cargo being transported by the vehicle is notified and allowed to arrange for the transfer of the cargo to another vehicle.

What else do you want to know?

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Where This Stands

This bill did not become law - Died at adjournment · in House committee.

Procedural history

5 actions

Jan 20, 2026HouseCommittee
To House Government Adminstration
Jan 20, 2026HouseCommittee
To House Government Organization
Jan 20, 2026HouseIntroduced
Introduced in House
Jan 20, 2026HouseCommittee
To Government Organization
Jan 20, 2026HouseIntroduced
Filed for introduction

Version history

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