Bill to allow under-21 truck drivers to cross state lines if they remain within 150 mile radius of home base

A Wyoming legislator introduced a bill that seeks to expand opportunities for truck drivers who are under 21 years of age along limited interstate routes.

On December 11, Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY) introduced the Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement (ROUTE) Act.

The ROUTE Act seeks to change current law that restricts CDL holders who are under 21 to intrastate operation only.

See below for key provisions of the ROUTE Act:

• The bill permits eligible young CDL holders to operate commercial motor vehicles across state lines within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location, aligning with other agricultural-related exemptions. 
• Drivers must return to their reporting location within 14 consecutive hours and take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting their next shift, maintaining existing hours of service requirements.

“Federal barriers prevent capable young Americans from entering the trucking industry. At the same time, we are removing illegal aliens who unlawfully obtained CDLs. That makes it even more important to open doors for American workers to fill these jobs and strengthen our economy,” said Hageman. “Wyoming and other rural states face needless challenges because federal regulation blocks young CDL holders from making short interstate trips. It makes no sense that drivers are allowed to travel from Gillette to Evanston but prohibited from driving right across the state line to Belle Fourche, South Dakota. America should never rely on illegal labor to move our goods.” 

The bill is endorsed by the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and the Wyoming Trucking Association.

“OOIDA supports Representative Hageman’s commonsense proposal to allow truck drivers to operate within a 150 air-mile radius across state lines. The current system creates situations that simply do not make sense, like allowing a driver in Kansas City, KS to haul clear across the state to its border with Colorado, but not deliver a few miles away in Kansas City, MO. The ROUTE Act fixes this problem in a safe and practical way. A 150 air-mile operating radius gives drivers the chance to build skills in familiar conditions, receive the training they need, and stay closer to home while gaining experience. OOIDA appreciates Representative Hageman’s leadership in advancing a commonsense solution without opening the door to unsafe long haul operations for inexperienced teenager,” said Todd Spencer, President of OOIDA.

“This bill reflects what rural states have needed for a long time,” said Kevin Hawley, President of the Wyoming Trucking Association. “It removes an unnecessary barrier for interested and qualified carriers, strengthens service to border communities, and supports the development of the next generation of professional drivers in Wyoming. We appreciate Congresswoman Hageman’s continued leadership in bringing forward practical solutions that make immediate differences for Wyoming.”