Truckers aged 18–20 could haul freight across state lines
In committeeH.R. 6642Latest action
Sponsor: Harriet M. Hageman · Representative · WY
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: ROUTE Act
119th Congress
Topics: Jobs & the economy
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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HR 6642 would let drivers ages 18–20 cross state lines in commercial trucks if they stay within 150 miles of their home base.
50-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
This bill would allow truck drivers who are 18, 19, or 20 years old to drive large commercial vehicles across state lines. Right now, federal law requires interstate commercial drivers to be at least 21. To qualify, a young driver must hold a valid commercial driver's license for in-state driving, stay within 150 miles of their home base, return and be released within 14 consecutive hours, and take at least 10 hours off before their next shift.
Who does it affect?
This bill would affect younger adults who want to work in trucking. It would also affect freight and delivery companies that hire drivers for regional routes crossing state lines.
Why does it matter?
If passed, employers could hire drivers in the 18–20 age range for certain interstate routes they currently cannot legally staff with those workers. Drivers in that age group could access interstate trucking jobs that are currently closed to them under federal law.
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Where does it stand?
- IntroducedDec 11, 2025
- House committeeYou are here · Feb 2, 2026
- House vote
- Senate
- The president's desk
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.