Bill · H.R. 6642· House(119-HR-6642)
ROUTE Act
- Introduced
- 12/11/2025
- Last activity
- 2/2/2026 — Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- Sponsored by
- Harriet Hageman
- Cosponsors
- - 4 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Responsible Opportunity for Under-21 Trucking Engagement Act" or the "ROUTE Act," seeks to amend title 49 of the United States Code. It aims to allow certain drivers under the age of 21 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce under specific limitations. To qualify, drivers must be at least 18 years old and hold a commercial driver's license limited to intrastate operation. These drivers would be permitted to operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location. The bill also establishes specific requirements regarding work hours and off-duty periods.
Yes· 3 of 4
Would people in their twenties and thirties be better off under this?+6
The bill creates new employment pathways for individuals between the ages of 18 and 21.
Is this likely to create jobs?+5
The bill expands job opportunities for drivers aged 18 to 21 by allowing them to engage in interstate commerce.
Does this make it easier to run a small business?+3
Allowing younger drivers to participate in interstate commerce provides more flexible labor options for trucking companies.
The opposite
Would union members be better off under this?-2
The expansion of the driver pool to include those under 21 could increase competition for existing driver jobs.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Expanded opportunities for young drivers: The bill allows individuals between the ages of 18 and 21 who hold limited commercial driver's licenses to engage in interstate commerce, provided they stay within a 150 air-mile radius (Section 2(a)(1) and (b)).
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Structured rest periods: The legislation mandates that eligible drivers have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between on-duty periods, which provides a required rest interval (Section 2(a)(b)(2)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Time constraints on work shifts: Drivers are required to return to their normal work reporting location and be released from work no more than 14 consecutive hours after departing, which limits the length of a single work period (Section 2(a)(b)(1)).
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Geographic limitations: The scope of work is restricted to a 150 air-mile radius of the driver's normal work reporting location, and that location must remain within the State where the driver holds their license (Section 2(a)(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Increases Job Creation+5Improves Small Business Support+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Young Adults+6Good For Low Income Households+3Good For Union Workers-2
- 4/29/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/23/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 2/10/2026
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 2/2/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Highways and Transit.
- 12/11/2025
- Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
- Introduced in House
Tracey MannRepublican · Kansas
Barry MooreRepublican · Alabama
Austin ScottRepublican · Georgia
Glenn ThompsonRepublican · Pennsylvania