CVSA Adds English Proficiency to Out-of-Service Criteria—Effective June 25

📢 New Rule, Major Impact: English Language Deficiency Will Now Ground Drivers

On May 1, 2025, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) announced a major revision to its North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria—a move that could take thousands of drivers off the road if they fail to demonstrate English language proficiency.

The update follows President Donald J. Trump’s Executive Order titled “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.” This order directs federal transportation authorities to strictly enforce existing regulations requiring commercial drivers to speak and understand English.

Starting June 25, 2025, commercial drivers in the United States who cannot sufficiently read or speak English may be placed Out of Service (OOS) at roadside inspections.

📋 What the New Rule Says

CVSA will introduce a new section titled “English Proficiency (U.S. Only)” under Part I – Driver in its Out-of-Service Criteria. The language of the rule is clear:

“Driver cannot read and speak the English language sufficiently to communicate with the safety official to respond to official inquiries and directions in accordance with FMCSA enforcement guidance. (391.11(b)(2)) Declare driver out of service.”

This enforcement standard is based on the existing federal regulation found in 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), which outlines the general qualifications for drivers. Specifically, drivers must be able to:

• Converse with the general public,

• Understand traffic signs and highway signals in English,

• Respond to safety officials’ inquiries, and

• Make entries on logs and required reports.

• 
  

🚛 Why This Matters for Drivers and Carriers

The inclusion of English proficiency as an out-of-service violation is a game-changer for enforcement personnel, carriers, and drivers alike. Under the new rule:

• Any driver unable to communicate effectively in English during an inspection may be immediately placed OOS.

• This will halt operations on the spot, delaying freight and potentially violating delivery contracts.

• Carriers employing non-proficient drivers may face increased liability, audit triggers, and CSA score impacts.

To ensure consistency, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has pledged to issue guidance to all inspectors, clarifying how the standard should be applied.

⚠️ Emergency Approval Process Speeds Up Implementation

Normally, changes to CVSA’s out-of-service criteria require a vote by Class I Members. However, the CVSA Board of Directors used an emergency provision in its bylaws to bypass this step. The urgency was driven by the president’s 60-day compliance deadline outlined in his executive order.

This fast-tracked approval demonstrates the federal government’s renewed focus on safety, accountability, and regulatory enforcement in the commercial transportation sector.

🧩 Regulatory Alignment Underway

In addition to the enforcement change, CVSA is:

1. Petitioning FMCSA to formally amend 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) so that English proficiency is explicitly recognized as an Out-of-Service condition.

2. Requesting FMCSA to harmonize English language requirements in 49 CFR Part 383 (Commercial Driver’s License Standards) with those in Part 391 (Driver Qualifications). This will prevent regulatory discrepancies and establish a uniform standard for all CDL holders.

🛠️ What Carriers Should Do Now

CellEx Consulting Group recommends the following action steps for fleets and safety managers:

• Screen all new driver applicants for English proficiency during the hiring process.

• Offer or recommend language support resources to current drivers who may be at risk.

• Ensure that dispatch, compliance, and recruiting teams understand the enforcement implications of the new rule.

• Prepare for roadside inspection delays and update internal OOS protocols.

📌 Conclusion: A Clear Message from Washington

This rule sends a decisive message: English proficiency is no longer negotiable. It’s now an enforceable, federally-backed requirement with immediate operational consequences.

Whether you agree with the policy or not, compliance is mandatory—starting June 25. Safety Lane Magazine will continue to monitor developments and provide guidance as FMCSA rolls out inspector training and carrier education materials.

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Stay ahead. Safety Lane Magazine & CellEx Consulting Group – Your Trusted Source for Industry Compliance & Safety.