New English Proficiency Standards for Truck Drivers
AUSTIN, Texas — In a significant announcement, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed an order on Tuesday to reinstate stringent enforcement of English language proficiency standards for commercial truck drivers. This policy, supported by President Donald Trump’s recent executive order, signals a change in how the Department of Transportation will address driver qualification issues, emphasizing language compliance as a reason for putting drivers out of service.
“We are officially rescinding the ill-advised 2016 Obama guidance,” proclaimed Duffy. He was referring to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s directive under President Barack Obama that discouraged law enforcement from removing drivers solely for English proficiency issues. “The new guidance makes it clear: a driver unable to understand English will not operate a commercial vehicle in this country—end of discussion.”
The event was organized with the Texas Trucking Association and attended by various industry stakeholders, reflecting mounting concerns regarding road safety and what Duffy called a “wild west” in trucking marked by fraud, noncompliance, and diminished regulatory standards.
Duffy pointed out enforcement statistics, indicating that in 2015—before the guidance was amended—over 99,000 drivers faced English language proficiency violations, with 1,000 being placed out of service for such infractions.
“Fast forward to 2024: that number dropped to 10,000 violations, and none were removed from service for English proficiency issues,” Duffy noted. “This means we allowed 1,000 of the most serious offenders to escape consequences. That won’t happen anymore; safety will be our priority.”
John Esparza, president of the Texas Trucking Association, expressed support for the decision, stating, “Imagine being in enforcement and unable to communicate roadside. This is fundamental.” For truck drivers and organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, this announcement is viewed as a significant win.
“Today is a positive day for truckers, their families, and for common sense,” affirmed OOIDA President Todd Spencer. He highlighted that understanding English is not just a bureaucratic formality but a crucial safety necessity. “A simple road sign can be the difference between a safe journey and a tragic one,” he added.
Duffy also discussed broader Department of Transportation initiatives, including a review of non-resident commercial driver’s licenses, better verification protocols for CDLs, and efforts to improve trucker quality-of-life issues such as parking shortages. He acknowledged the concerns voiced by truckers regarding unsafe working conditions and pledged to implement substantial changes.
