An illegal alien truck driver accused of causing a crash in Florida that killed three people failed his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) test 10 times in two months before finally receiving a license in 2023 in Washington state, according to information obtained by a senior official with the Florida Attorney General’s Office.
Harjinder Singh crossed the southern border illegally in 2018 and is now accused of causing the August crash in Fort Pierce, Florida, that resulted in the deaths of three individuals.
Investigators with the Florida AG’s office discovered that Singh failed his CDL knowledge exam in Washington state 10 times between March 10, 2023, and May 5, 2023. They also found out that he failed his air brakes knowledge exam twice.
The Washington company that trained Singh for his CDL stated that he could speak English, even though he struggled to do so proficiently, as noted by the senior official. Despite this, Washington issued Singh his first CDL, and California later granted him another.
Bodycam footage released in August shows Singh struggling with limited English after being pulled over for speeding in New Mexico a month earlier — a detail that has become a major focal point in the case.
The footage reveals Singh being stopped by a New Mexico State Police officer on July 3 for allegedly driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone. Singh appeared apologetic as he received a ticket. He communicated clearly at first, but after signing paperwork and preparing to leave, the officer struggled to understand him.
Officials investigating the wreck in Florida said Singh failed English and road sign tests. He's accused of jackknifing his 18-wheeler during an illegal U-turn, causing a van to smash into the side of the semi, leaving three people dead.
Last week, the Florida AG’s office sued California and Washington in a Supreme Court filing to prevent both states from issuing CDLs to illegal immigrants. The lawsuit accuses the states of failing to comply with federal safety and immigration status requirements.
Experts have revealed how an illegal immigrant trucker may have obtained a commercial license before the fatal Florida crash.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated on October 15 that many big rig drivers fail to meet English language requirements — a problem his department is now targeting.
"I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements or the checks stop coming," Duffy said. "California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road."
The announcement followed the Trump administration’s decision to withhold more than $40 million in federal highway safety funds from California for failing to enforce federal English proficiency standards for truckers.
The case highlights ongoing concerns about the qualifications of commercial drivers, especially those who may not meet basic language and safety requirements.
Key issues in the case include:
- Singh's repeated failures on the CDL test, which raised questions about his ability to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
- His limited English proficiency, as shown in bodycam footage, which could affect communication with law enforcement and understanding of road signs.
- The legal actions taken by the Florida AG’s office against California and Washington, citing non-compliance with federal regulations.
- The broader implications for trucking safety and the enforcement of language requirements for commercial drivers.
This incident has sparked a national conversation about the need for stricter enforcement of licensing and language requirements for commercial drivers, particularly those who are not legally authorized to be in the country.
The situation also raises concerns about the potential risks posed by drivers who may not fully understand the rules of the road or be able to communicate effectively in emergencies.
As the legal battle continues, the focus remains on ensuring that all commercial drivers meet the necessary standards to protect public safety on the roads.
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