In a significant move aimed at enhancing road safety, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has signed new guidance enforcing English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers.
This action follows President Donald Trump’s executive order mandating that all commercial drivers operating in the United States demonstrate the ability to read and speak English adequately.Department of Transportation+2Department of Transportation+2FMCSA+2Spectrum News 1+1The Daily Bo Snerdley+1
Background: Reinstating Long-Standing Regulations
Federal regulations have long stipulated that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers must be able to read and speak English well enough to:
Converse with the general public
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Understand highway traffic signs and signals
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Respond to official inquiries
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Make entries on reports and records
However, a 2016 memorandum under the Obama administration limited enforcement by instructing inspectors not to place drivers out of service solely for lacking English proficiency. President Trump’s recent executive order rescinds this guidance, emphasizing that language barriers can pose significant safety risks on America’s highways .
Details of the New Guidance
Secretary Duffy’s directive mandates that, effective June 25, 2025, CMV drivers who cannot meet English proficiency standards will be placed out of service. This enforcement aims to ensure that drivers can:KRIS 6 News Corpus Christi+7Newsmax+7FMCSA+7
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Read and comprehend traffic signs
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Communicate effectively with traffic safety officers, border patrol, and other officials
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Follow directions and provide necessary information during inspections.
“America first means safety first,” Duffy stated. “Americans are a lot safer on roads alongside truckers who can understand and interpret our traffic signs. This common-sense change ensures the penalty for failure to comply is more than a slap on the wrist” .
Industry Response
The trucking industry has shown support for the reinstated enforcement. Todd Spencer, President of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), remarked, “This is a good day for truckers. It’s a good day for families. And it’s a good day for common sense. Out on the road, there’s no margin for error. Truckers drive 80,000-pound vehicles through all kinds of terrain — steep mountain passes, narrow turns, busy city streets. The only thing separating safe trips from deadly ones can be a simple road sign. These signs aren’t suggestions. They’re warnings. They save lives — but only if they’re understood” .Truck News+3integritypress.org+3Houston Chronicle+3CT Insider+2Truck News+2integritypress.org+2
However, some industry leaders have expressed concerns about the potential impact on the workforce. The Greater Houston Trucking Association (GHTA) acknowledged the importance of communication for safety but emphasized the need to support the trucking industry’s diverse workforce through educational initiatives, not barriers .Houston Chronicle
Implications for Truck Drivers
With the enforcement of these regulations, truck drivers operating in the U.S. must ensure they meet English proficiency standards. Failure to comply will result in being placed out of service, affecting their ability to work and potentially impacting the broader supply chain.Newsmax
The Department of Transportation encourages drivers to seek resources and training to meet these requirements, emphasizing that the goal is to enhance safety for all road users.
