As the Jan. 31, 2005, deadline to fingerprint truck drivers that haul hazardous materials approaches, many states say they may be unable to comply on time.

Among the reasons reported by media outlets across the country:

• Some states don’t have the money to purchase needed equipment; and
• Others report the need for state laws that give local CDL license processors the authority they need to perform the fingerprinting.

The Transportation Security Administration, which issued the regulation, told Land Line it recognizes there may be difficulties, but said there are no current plans to extend the deadline in all or some states.

“We do recognize there are hurdles the states must overcome,” a TSA spokesman said. “We will continue to work with the states so they can meet the deadline.”