Trucking Community Embraces Trump’s Executive Order
The trucking industry reacted positively to President Donald Trump’s Executive Order on April 28, 2025, which required truck drivers to be skilled in reading and writing English.
However, this requirement was not new; it was already outlined in Section 391.11(b)(2) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), which states that a commercial motor vehicle operator must “be able to read and speak English well enough to converse with the general public, understand traffic signs, respond to official questions, and record entries on reports.”
Support from Trucking Organizations
Truckers and industry associations quickly voiced their support for Trump’s 2025 directive. Dan Horvath, Senior Vice President of Regulatory and Safety Policy at the American Trucking Associations (ATA), expressed eagerness to collaborate with FMCSA and law enforcement to establish clear and effective enforcement standards.
Todd Spencer, the President of the Owner Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), also backed the initiative. “Drivers need to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and react in emergencies,” Spencer emphasized, noting that failures in communication could lead to serious incidents.
Why Hasn’t the Rule Been Enforced?
Since the English language proficiency requirement existed previously, questions arose about the lack of enforcement. One contributing factor is President Barack Obama’s Executive Order 13166 from August 2000. This order tasked the Justice Department with overseeing enforcement and required agencies to outline their compliance strategies. Subsequently, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) even removed English proficiency from its list of out-of-service (OOS) violations, only to reinstate it on May 1, 2025.
Defining Proficiency
While the necessity for drivers to understand English is agreed upon, measuring “proficiency” poses a challenge. The inspector’s role during a DOT inspection in evaluating a driver’s English ability remains significant. On May 20, 2025, FMCSA’s Philip Thomas instructed personnel that all roadside inspections must be conducted in English.
Assessment Process
The evaluation comprises two steps. Step 1 involves an interview where the inspector assesses the driver’s ability to answer official inquiries in English. If the driver fails this step, they are immediately placed out of service. If they pass, the second step involves an assessment of the driver’s ability to comprehend traffic signs. Specific criteria for these evaluations remain undisclosed to prevent memorization instead of genuine understanding.
Industry Perspectives and Stereotypes
As a former driver, I hope law enforcement will handle English proficiency evaluations more professionally than some drivers do. Online comments often reflect negative attitudes towards foreign-born drivers, labeling them as unqualified despite many having solid driving experience from their home countries. It is essential to recognize the qualifications of immigrant drivers, as they often play a vital role in the trucking industry.
The Path Forward
The increase in foreign-born drivers in the U.S. has underscored the need for English proficiency. While various educational programs exist to help non-native speakers learn English, being proficient remains essential for operating commercial vehicles. Regulations mandating English proficiency should enhance roadway safety, even as the industry navigates broader issues of acceptance and understanding among drivers.
