CT Governor Lamont Taking Heat for Fatal Ohio Crash
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On September 1, 2026, U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH) sent a formal letter to Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont following a fatal traffic accident in Ohio. The incident involved Washington G. Naula Ochoa, an undocumented immigrant holding a Connecticut "Drive Only" (DO) license, who ran a stop sign and killed 29-year-old Austin J. Karr Grimes.
Moreno wrote to Lamont, "If it were not for policy you championed, which allows illegal aliens to receive a 'drive-only' license, this young man may have reached his destination."
Key Points of the Dispute
Moreno's Criticism: Ohio Sen. Moreno blamed Connecticut's licensing program for the death, writing, "Quite simply, your policies are killing my constituents." He urged Lamont to require proof of legal status, noting that Ohio is among the majority of states in the union with this common sense rule. He demanded a public apology to the victim's family, and submitted a formal 4-question inquiry regarding program stats, crime rates, voter registration, and taxpayer costs.
Local GOP Concern: CT State Senator Rob Sampson concurred with Moreno, stating in a press release, "Connecticut gave an illegal immigrant a driver’s license. Now an innocent American is dead. Gov. Lamont owes answers."
Lamont's Defense: Gov. Lamont offered condolences but defended the program, arguing that testing, licensing, and insuring all drivers—regardless of immigration status—makes roads safer for everyone.
What Are Drive Only Licenses?
Connecticut is among 19 states (plus D.C.) offering Drive Only licenses to residents who cannot establish legal U.S. presence. Since the program went into effect in 2015, the state has issued almost 61,000 active Drive Only licenses.
Drive Only applicants must pass the identical vision, knowledge, and road tests required for regular licenses. For non-English speakers, CT provides written tests in multiple languages and permits state-approved translation assistance for identity documents.
Between the Lines: The rapid growth in Drive Only licenses, combined with Connecticut’s multilingual testing accommodations for undocumented applicants, has created hazardous roadways—not just within the state, but across regional borders as well.