Trump Signs Executive Order on Truck Driver English Proficiency
WASHINGTON — On Monday, President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating that truck drivers must pass English literacy tests as a critical safety measure.
Support from the American Trucking Associations
“We appreciate the Trump Administration for addressing our concerns regarding the inconsistent enforcement of this regulation. We are eager to collaborate with FMCSA and law enforcement on creating a fair and effective enforcement standard,” stated Dan Horvath, senior vice president of regulatory and safety policy at the American Trucking Associations (ATA).
Details of the Executive Order
The order directs U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy to rescind previous guidance that diluted the requirement for English proficiency among commercial drivers. Additionally, it:
- Requires revision of out-of-service criteria to ensure drivers lacking English proficiency are deemed unfit to operate a vehicle, thus improving road safety.
- Instructs Duffy to evaluate state issuance of non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses to uncover any anomalies and to ensure that American drivers are appropriately licensed.
- Orders further administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions to enhance the working conditions for truck drivers in the U.S.
Federal English Proficiency Requirements
Under federal law, all commercial motor vehicle drivers are required to demonstrate English proficiency, as outlined by the ATA. According to 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), drivers must be capable of:
- Communicating effectively with the public and law enforcement.
- Responding to official inquiries.
- Completing mandated reports and logs.
While these requirements remain enforced, ADA has received reports indicating that they are frequently misconstrued and that enforcement is inconsistent, a situation arising from a 2016 FMCSA memo.
Industry Reactions
Chris Spear, president and CEO of ATA, earlier urged Duffy to reassess directives concerning the enforcement of the English proficiency standard. The Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) praised the move, stating that it would enhance roadway safety by ensuring truck drivers can read and understand English. They also called for Congress to codify these regulations into law for permanence.
OOIDA’s Perspective
The Owner-Operator Independent Driver Association (OOIDA), which represents 150,000 truckers, expressed strong support for Trump’s decision to enforce English proficiency, asserting that basic English skills are crucial for safety on the roads.
Commitment to Road Safety
According to the White House, President Trump recognizes the essential role of America’s truck drivers in the country’s economy and safety. The Fact Sheet emphasized that the administration is dedicated to enforcing English proficiency as an aspect of roadway safety to protect drivers, passengers, and the general public.
Significance of English in America
In the executive order, Trump reiterated the importance of English as the official language of the United States, reinforcing that commercial drivers must meet established standards for navigating roads safely and complying with regulations.
