The Transportation Department will immediately tighten up the requirements for noncitizens to get commercial drivers’ licenses after three fatal crashes this year that officials say were caused by immigrant truck drivers who never should have received licenses.

The new rules will make it extremely hard for immigrants to get commercial drivers’ licenses because only three specific classes of visa holders will be eligible. States will also have to verify an applicant’s immigration status in a federal database. These licenses will only be valid for up to one year unless the applicant’s visa expires sooner than that.

The nationwide audit of these licenses began after a fatal U-turn crash in Florida that killed two people caused by a truck driver who officials said was in the country illegall

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