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Feb 21, 2006 1:27 PM

Although the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has implemented procedures to counter commercial driver license (CDL) fraud, more action is needed to track suspect drivers, the Department of Transportation Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has determined.

"The results of our analysis show that more must be done to ensure that those who may have obtained their licenses fraudulently are identified and action is taken to remove CDLs when necessary," the OIG said in a report issued February 7, 2006.

The OIG recommends in the report that FMCSA exercise its authority to help ensure the establishment of strong state programs to prevent fraud and to remove unqualified drivers from the road after CDL fraud has been identified.

The OIG issued another report in November 2005 on DOT top management challenges, which noted that over the past five years CDL fraud schemes have been investigated and prosecuted in 23 states.

"These investigations, carried out with other law enforcement agencies and with the strong support of FMCSA, revealed that thousands of CDLs were issued to drivers who obtained them through corrupt state or state-approved testing processes, that is third-party examiners," OIG said.

The OIG notes that on average, 40,000 CDLs are issued each month and approximately 123,000 are transferred between states every year.

To see the report in its entirety, click here.