Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers

TLDR

This executive order enforces strict English proficiency requirements for all commercial truck drivers in the US. It directs the DOT and FMCSA to make lack of English proficiency an out-of-service violation, meaning non-compliant drivers will be immediately barred from operating vehicles. While this requirement has existed for decades, enforcement had been relaxed since 2016. The order also mandates strengthened verification of commercial driver’s licenses and calls for actions to improve truckers’ working conditions within 60 days.

This executive order mandates strict enforcement of English language proficiency for all commercial truck drivers operating in the United States. While federal law has long required drivers to “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records,” enforcement of this requirement has been inconsistent since 2016.

The order directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to:

• Rescind previous guidance that relaxed enforcement of English proficiency.
• Issue new procedures making lack of English proficiency an out-of-service violation-meaning non-compliant drivers will be immediately barred from operating commercial vehicles until they demonstrate compliance.
• Review and strengthen the verification of domestic and international commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), especially those issued to non-domiciled drivers.
• Identify additional actions to improve truckers’ working conditions within 60 days.

The order follows a March 2025 executive order designating English as the official language of the United States.

Key provisions include:

• Enforcement: English proficiency will now be strictly enforced, with violations resulting in drivers being placed out-of-service.
• Scope: Applies to all commercial motor vehicle operators, including those with non-domiciled CDLs (licenses issued by a state other than the driver’s primary residence).
• Rationale: The administration argues this is a “commonsense” safety measure, essential for clear communication in emergencies, compliance checks, and day-to-day operations.
• Industry Impact: The order also seeks to address fraudulent CDLs and improve working conditions for truckers.

This order has raised numerous questions about its impact on the trucking industry and the safety of American roads:

Is English proficiency a new requirement?

No. The requirement for truck drivers to be proficient in English has existed for decades under 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2). What is new is the return to strict enforcement, including immediate out-of-service penalties for violations. Enforcement had been relaxed since 2016 due to concerns over vagueness and inconsistent application.

Will this improve road safety?

Supporters’ View: Proponents, including the American Trucking Associations and some drivers, argue that consistent enforcement will enhance safety by ensuring all drivers can read signs, communicate with officials, and respond in emergencies.

Critics’ View: Critics, including immigrant rights advocates and some industry voices, warn this could sideline tens of thousands of experienced drivers, particularly those for whom English is a second language, potentially worsening the ongoing driver shortage. There is little direct evidence linking recent highway safety trends to lapses in English proficiency enforcement. Many industry veterans note that truckers with limited English have operated safely for years.

Could this cause discrimination or workforce disruptions?

Yes, there is a risk of discriminatory enforcement and significant workforce impact. Estimates suggest up to 100,000 drivers could be affected, disproportionately impacting immigrant and non-native English-speaking communities. Critics argue this could create employment barriers and reduce the available driver pool, exacerbating supply chain challenges.

Will this address the most pressing trucking safety issues?

Not entirely. While language proficiency is important for safety, many experts argue that other factors-such as driver training, fatigue management, and licensing oversight-are equally or more critical to road safety. The focus on language may divert attention from these broader systemic issues.

Is the out-of-service penalty appropriate?

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) had previously removed English proficiency from its out-of-service criteria due to concerns about vagueness and fair enforcement. The executive order’s directive to reinstate this as an out-of-service violation may lead to inconsistent application unless clear, objective standards are developed.

This executive order does not create a new English proficiency requirement for truckers but mandates strict enforcement of an existing rule, including immediate out-of-service penalties for non-compliance. While intended to improve safety, the order is controversial — supporters see it as common sense, while critics warn it could sideline tens of thousands of drivers, risk discrimination, and fail to address deeper safety issues within the trucking industry. The true impact will depend on how enforcement is implemented and whether additional support (such as language training) is provided for affected drivers.