49 USC § 31312 - Decertification authority

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t49/s31312"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "49 USC § 31312 - Decertification authority"
title_number: 49
title_name: "TRANSPORTATION"
section_number: "31312"
section_name: "Decertification authority"
chapter_number: 313
chapter_name: "COMMERCIAL MOTOR VEHICLE OPERATORS"
part_number: "B"
part_name: "COMMERCIAL"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Added Pub. L. 106–159, title II, § 203(a), Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1762.)"
---


# § 31312. Decertification authority

**(a)** **In General.—** If the Secretary of Transportation determines that a State is in substantial noncompliance with this chapter, the Secretary shall issue an order to—

**(1)** prohibit that State from carrying out licensing procedures under this chapter; and

**(2)** prohibit that State from issuing any commercial driver’s licenses until such time the Secretary determines such State is in substantial compliance with this chapter.

**(b)** **Effect on Other States.—** A State (other than a State subject to an order under subsection (a)) may issue a non-resident commercial driver’s license to an individual domiciled in a State that is prohibited from such activities under subsection (a) if that individual meets all requirements of this chapter and the nonresident licensing requirements of the issuing State.

**(c)** **Previously Issued Licenses.—** Nothing in this section shall be construed as invalidating or otherwise affecting commercial driver’s licenses issued by a State before the date of issuance of an order under subsection (a) with respect to the State.

---

**Source Credit**: (Added Pub. L. 106–159, title II, § 203(a), Dec. 9, 1999, 113 Stat. 1762.)

## Editorial Notes

### Prior Provisions

A prior section 31312, , , , related to grants for testing and ensuring the fitness of operators of commercial motor vehicles, prior to repeal by , , .