Tougher Enforcement After Fatal Florida Crash
A new federal proposal could see truck drivers banned from U.S. highways if they fail English-language proficiency checks at weigh stations. The initiative follows a fatal August crash on the Florida Turnpike, in which driver Harjinder Singh allegedly made an illegal U-turn that killed three people.
In response, Congressman Byron Donalds (R-Fla.) introduced the Weigh Station Enforcement to Intercept and Guard Highways (WEIGH) Act, officially known as H.R. 5177. The legislation aims to bolster enforcement of trucking safety and immigration rules by requiring language checks and stricter license verification at every weigh station along interstate highways.
Key Provisions of the WEIGH Act
The proposed law includes several significant measures:
- Mandatory English Checks: Drivers must demonstrate English proficiency during inspections.
- CDL Verification: All weigh stations would examine commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) for irregularities.
- Federal Oversight: States that fail to enforce these rules risk losing their authority to issue CDLs and could also lose federal highway funding.
- Tougher Inspections: Florida has already begun ramping up checks, stationing Agriculture Department officers alongside federal partners.
Donalds emphasized that states ignoring the rules pose a direct safety threat: “Safety must be the standard, not the exception.”
State and Federal Crackdown
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) confirmed that agents are already conducting expanded inspections at weigh stations. Commissioner Wilton Simpson highlighted that officers are now empowered not just to check for cargo violations, but also for immigration and language compliance.
Since the crackdown began, officials report nearly 150 undocumented immigrants, including individuals with serious criminal records, have been taken off Florida roads.
Simpson stated, “If you can’t read our signs, you shouldn’t be on our roads. Ag law will find those who violate our laws and we will ensure that justice is served.”
Support and Criticism
Supporters argue the legislation is necessary to prevent tragedies like the Florida Turnpike crash, improve compliance, and protect motorists nationwide. They say requiring truckers to communicate effectively in English is essential for road safety, particularly when interpreting signs and interacting with law enforcement.
Critics, however, caution that the measure may unfairly target immigrant drivers, many of whom play a critical role in the trucking workforce. They also warn that enforcement could slow freight movement, leading to further supply chain challenges.
Next Steps
The proposal now moves to Congress for debate, where it is expected to trigger heated discussion over road safety, immigration, and the trucking industry’s labor supply. As freight demand remains high, balancing safety, fairness, and efficiency will be at the heart of the debate.
Source:
https://www.the-sun.com/motors/15172329/drivers-face-bans-under-new-language-checkpoints/?
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