The 21-year-old Sikh truck driver, Jashanpreet Singh, accused of a crash that killed three people in California, has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him. The crash, which has sparked a wider debate about Indian truck drivers and road safety in the United States, occurred amid questions about Singh’s driving credentials and immigration status.
Singh faces three counts of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and one count of driving under the influence of a drug. He was appointed a public defender and remains in jail without bail. His next court hearing is scheduled for November 4, during which a Punjabi interpreter will be provided, highlighting that Singh’s knowledge of English is insufficient for standard legal proceedings — a factor raising concerns about how he obtained a commercial driver’s license, which requires English proficiency.
Immigration and licensing issues
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) stated that Singh entered the United States illegally from India in 2022 during the Biden administration. Despite this, he possesses Employment Authorization Documents valid until 2030 and a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a semi-truck. His CDL is a federal REAL ID, legally issued under his current work authorization.
The case has ignited a political debate. California officials have suggested that Singh’s continued driving under these circumstances reflects broader systemic lapses, while the Trump administration argued that California violated federal law by allowing Singh to drive when he should have been disqualified.
In June 2025, California issued Singh, who is an asylum seeker, a restricted, non-domiciled CDL with a “K” restriction, limiting him to in-state driving as he was under 21. In September, the federal government paused all issuances of non-domiciled CDLs. By October, Singh had turned 21, and the “K” restriction was removed. According to the Department of Transportation, if California had adhered to the new rule, Singh’s CDL would have been denied due to his asylum seeker status.
Alleged intoxication
While Singh maintains his innocence, his family in India has defended him, stating he is a baptized Sikh who does not consume drugs. However, toxicology reports suggest that Singh was under the influence at the time of the crash and failed to apply the brakes, leading to the tragic accident.
The incident has reignited concerns about road safety in the U.S., particularly regarding drivers who may not fully meet language or licensing requirements. Lawmakers and the trucking industry are now examining the oversight of non-domiciled drivers and the effectiveness of state and federal regulations.
Next steps
Singh’s legal proceedings will continue in November, and the case is likely to attract significant attention due to its international dimension, with India closely monitoring developments. The hearing will also explore whether Singh’s employment authorization and CDL issuance complied with federal and state regulations.
The tragedy underscores the complex interplay between immigration law, licensing standards, and public safety, raising critical questions about the checks and balances in place for commercial drivers in the United States.