Language Proficiency Violations Among Commercial Drivers
Last month, numerous commercial vehicle drivers in Wyoming could not demonstrate their ability to read and speak English during interviews with the Wyoming Highway Patrol.
Top Violations Identified
The Wyoming Highway Patrol – Commercial Carrier Division recently outlined the primary commercial vehicle violations detected in June 2025. The most common violation reported was “Operating a CMV without proof of periodic inspection.” Close on its heels at number five was the violation “Driver cannot satisfy English language proficiency (ELP), failed interview,” which resulted in 66 citations issued in June.
New Enforcement Regulations
As of June 25, 2025, the non-compliance with federal regulations regarding ELP for commercial drivers has become an out-of-service violation. This change follows a significant initiative from the White House aiming to strengthen enforcement of language requirements for truckers.
Requirements for Commercial Drivers
To avoid being placed out of service, commercial vehicle drivers must sufficiently demonstrate their ability to read and speak English. This includes being able to communicate with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and accurately fill out reports and records, according to officials.
Inspection Highlights
In June 2025, WHP conducted a total of 1,346 inspections of commercial vehicles. Troopers appreciated the drivers who passed their inspections without issues, noting that more than a third of those inspected had clean results. This included 214 trucks that received new CVSA decals for their windshields.
Encouragement for Safe Practices
The WHP expressed gratitude to all drivers who maintain their logs correctly and keep their vehicles in excellent condition, stating, “You are doing your part in keeping the highways safe.”
Previous Trends in Violations
In May 2025, English language proficiency also appeared in the top ten CMV violation list, with 71 reported violations at that time.
