Concerns Over English Language Proficiency Tests for Truck Drivers
Adalberto Campero, CEO of Unimex Group based in Pharr, Texas, expressed his initial confusion and subsequent concern upon learning that numerous truck drivers in Texas had been pulled off the roads due to failing English-language tests.
Since January, an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 truck drivers across the United States have been sidelined for not meeting English proficiency requirements, nearly 600 of whom are from Texas alone.
“There’s no federal guideline on how these inspections should be conducted. Each state is developing its own standards, leading to fears among drivers about being singled out or stereotyped,” Campero explained to FreightWaves.
Unimex Group’s Cross-Border Operations
Operating as a carrier and logistics provider, Unimex Group specializes in cross-border trucking and logistics from Mexico to various locations in the U.S. Campero emphasized the need to comply with existing regulations while expressing a desire for clarity regarding the specific requirements.
Campero noted that the rise in roadside inspections has caused anxiety among drivers, especially bilingual or immigrant truck operators, who worry that their accents or hesitance in the English test could lead to misunderstandings regarding compliance.
The Need for Clear Guidelines
“Authorities claim drivers should possess conversational English skills, but what does that actually entail?” Campero asked. “This should be federally mandated since we’re operating on federal highways. We require explicit guidelines so that both drivers and enforcement officials fully grasp the rules.”
His concerns reflect a broader trend of enforcement actions that have taken many in the trucking industry by surprise. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), around 5,000 to 6,000 out-of-service violations have been reported in 2025 for drivers failing English proficiency tests outlined in rule 391.11.
Impact of Recent Enforcement Actions
The FMCSA mandates that commercial drivers must be able to “read and speak the English language sufficiently” to effectively communicate with officials, comprehend traffic signs, and fill out necessary documentation. Recent reports reveal that specific violation codes related to English proficiency have accounted for over 26,800 inspection citations this year, resulting in more than 5,100 out-of-service orders.
While none of Unimex’s drivers have been affected, many are reassessing routes that lead through states with intensified enforcement. “There’s a growing fear surrounding travel to certain regions,” Campero remarked. “Even warehouses are increasingly requesting citizenship or driver’s license documents as everyone becomes more cautious.”
The Call for Objective Regulations
This renewed focus on the English-language requirement by the FMCSA follows a Department of Transportation directive aimed at stricter driver-qualification checks during roadside inspections, emphasizing that effective communication and understanding of traffic signs are crucial for highway safety.
However, industry stakeholders like Campero argue that the regulations remain too vague and subjective. “Clarification on the exact criteria is essential,” he stressed. “Without it, one officer’s discretion could dictate the law, which places too much power in the hands of a single inspection.”
