New Executive Order Reinforces English Proficiency for Truck Drivers

A New Chapter in Highway Safety and Compliance

On April 26, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a new executive order reviving and strengthening enforcement of the federal rule requiring commercial truck drivers to read, speak, and understand English.

The move aims to eliminate communication barriers on America’s roadways and refocus attention on an existing but long-neglected FMCSA regulation — 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2) — which states that drivers must be able to speak and read English well enough to:

 • Converse with the general public,

 • Understand traffic signs and signals,

 • Respond to official inquiries,

 • Complete required reports and records.

The FMCSA’s original rule, introduced in 1970, was intended to ensure that all drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) could safely navigate U.S. roads without miscommunication leading to accidents or violations.

Why Now? A Shift in Federal Priorities

For nearly a decade, enforcement of the English proficiency rule had been relaxed, following a 2016 memorandum during the Obama administration that allowed inspectors greater discretion in evaluating drivers’ language skills. Inspectors could essentially “pass” drivers even with limited English abilities as long as they demonstrated basic operational safety.

Critics argued that this loosened approach compromised public safety and introduced unnecessary risk, particularly during roadside inspections, emergency situations, and hazmat transport operations.

The newly signed executive order revokes the 2016 guidance and directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to immediately reinforce the requirement. It mandates that all federal and state inspectors conducting roadside inspections and audits must now strictly assess English proficiency as part of standard compliance checks.

Drivers who cannot demonstrate sufficient English abilities may be placed Out-of-Service until they meet the requirement — a significant operational consequence for carriers who do not prepare accordingly.

Impacts on the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry already faces a severe driver shortage, and this executive action could add another layer of complexity to hiring and retention efforts. Carriers employing a diverse workforce, including immigrant drivers, will need to ensure that every operator meets the federal English proficiency requirement before dispatching them on interstate routes.

We can expect to see:

• Enhanced Language Training Programs

Companies may introduce or expand English proficiency classes as part of driver orientation or ongoing training.

 • Changes in Recruitment and Screening

More stringent pre-employment screening processes may be implemented to verify language skills.

 • Potential Workforce Impacts

Some drivers could face disqualification or reassignment, leading to temporary labor shortages if companies are unprepared.

While proponents applaud the move as a “return to basics” that will improve highway safety and standardize enforcement across all 50 states, others warn of unintended consequences — including possible discrimination claims and challenges for smaller fleets already struggling with compliance demands.

Looking Forward: What Carriers Need to Know

The Department of Transportation and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are expected to release detailed enforcement guidelines within 60 days. In the meantime, carriers are encouraged to:

 • Review driver qualification files for English language documentation.

 • Incorporate language testing into driver onboarding processes.

 • Train dispatchers and managers on how to verify language proficiency without violating anti-discrimination laws.

 • Prepare for potential delays during roadside inspections as inspectors recalibrate their evaluation processes.

The message from Washington is clear: English proficiency is no longer a suggestion — it’s a compliance requirement that will be actively and visibly enforced.

For the nation’s drivers and carriers, adapting quickly and thoughtfully will be key to avoiding costly Out-of-Service violations and maintaining operational stability.

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Stay tuned with Safety Lane Magazine for further updates as the new enforcement guidelines are issued and industry best practices emerge.