The Department of Transportation is taking a harder stance on safety in the trucking industry. On May 20, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed an order restoring enforcement of the federal rule requiring truck drivers to speak and read English. The move is part of a broader effort to root out “bad actors” and improve road safety, in response to President Trump’s executive order aimed at strengthening highway safety standards.
What Changed?
Since 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) did not require drivers violating English-language proficiency rules to be placed out of service. Now, under the new guidance, drivers who cannot communicate in English or read traffic signs may be pulled off the road starting June 25. Duffy emphasized that the relaxed guidance had led to a sharp decline in enforcement. In 2015, there were nearly 100,000 violations, with 1,000 resulting in drivers being placed out of service. By 2024, violations dropped to 10,000—with none removed from duty.
How Enforcement Will Work
FMCSA will provide updated guidance to roadside inspectors. All inspections will now begin in English. If a driver struggles to understand, the officer will conduct a two-part assessment:
- A verbal interview
- A traffic sign recognition test
Critically, interpreters, cue cards, translation apps, or phone services cannot be used during the assessment. Drivers failing the evaluation may be cited or placed out of service, depending on their location. For now, the new rule won’t apply to truckers operating within the U.S.–Mexico commercial zone.
Industry Reactions and Concerns
Trucking law experts like Brandon Wiseman (Trucksafe Consulting) and Scopelitis law firm raised concerns about vagueness in the enforcement memo. Key assessment criteria remain redacted, which could lead to uneven enforcement across states. Wiseman also questioned what options drivers have to return to work if placed out of service due to a language violation.
More Reforms on the Way
Duffy said this enforcement is only the beginning. The DOT also plans to:
- Review security procedures for commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) across states
- Examine non-domiciled CDLs (issued to foreign drivers)
- Improve verification protocols for domestic and international driver credentials
Additionally, the DOT will address truck driver quality-of-life issues, including the national shortage of truck parking.
Support from Industry Leaders
Industry representatives, including John Esparza (Texas Trucking Association) and Todd Spencer (Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association), voiced strong support. Spencer emphasized that understanding traffic signs and communicating with law enforcement is essential for road safety: “English proficiency isn’t optional. It’s essential.”
With enforcement kicking in soon, carriers will need to ensure their drivers meet English language requirements or risk disruptions to their operations. This renewed focus on safety and driver qualifications may signal a broader effort to clean up systemic issues in the trucking sector.
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