HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania has increased the maximum civil penalty for operating an unlicensed Commercial Driver’s License training school from $2,500 to $25,000 under a new law intended to strengthen oversight of driver training programs and improve highway safety.
Act 50 of 2026, signed by Gov. Josh Shapiro on July 20 and effective immediately, amends the Private Licensed Schools Act of 1986 to target unauthorized CDL training operations, commonly referred to as “CDL mills.”
The legislation, introduced as Senate Bill 1294, raises the maximum penalty tenfold for operating a CDL or other private trade school without approval from the State Board of Private Licensed Schools.
State Rep. Ed Neilson, chairman of the House Transportation Committee, said the higher penalties are intended to deter operators from offering commercial driver training outside state regulatory requirements.
“Operating machinery that requires a CDL is an enormous responsibility and drivers must be competently trained in line with state and federal regulatory requirements,” Neilson stated.
“The penalty was $2,500, now it’s up to $25,000 for running a CDL training center not approved by the State Board of Private Licensed Schools. This is a significant penalty increase and should serve as a strong warning,” he added.
Supporters of the law argue that increasing financial penalties will discourage unauthorized training operations and help ensure prospective commercial drivers receive instruction that meets state and federal standards before operating commercial vehicles on public roads.
The law took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature on July 20.
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