Public Safety
CalMatters Investigation Finds DMV Let Unsafe Truck Drivers Keep Driving
A CalMatters investigation reveals that the California Department of Motor Vehicles frequently fails to suspend commercial driver's licenses after fatal crashes or serious violations. The report highlights cases where drivers with histories of dangerous behavior, including vehicular manslaughter charges, retained valid licenses for years due to bureaucratic delays and reliance on court notifications. In one instance, a driver killed two people in separate incidents because the DMV did not act on the first crash before the second occurred. The agency stated it has recently updated its processes and took action against several drivers after being contacted by reporters.