In 2025, discussions regarding English proficiency and trucking safety gained renewed focus. Two executive orders signed by President Donald Trump highlighted the importance of English language requirements at both cultural and commercial motor vehicle operation levels.
On March 1, one executive order officially established English as the United States’ official language, revoking the previous Executive Order 13166 which promoted multilingual government services since the Clinton era.
A second executive order, issued on April 28, specifically addressed the trucking industry. It instructed the Department of Transportation (DOT) to strengthen enforcement of existing federal regulations mandating that truck drivers possess effective English reading, speaking, and communication skills. This order reauthorized federal and state roadside inspectors to remove drivers from duty if they fail to meet these proficiency standards.
While these executive actions have attracted significant attention, the foundational requirement for English proficiency among truck drivers has been in place for nearly 90 years.
A Regulation with Deep Roots
The English proficiency requirement in commercial vehicle operations traces back to July 1937 when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) were established. According to 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2), drivers must be capable of “reading and speaking the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, comprehend highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and document reports and records.”
For years, roadside inspectors have cited noncompliant drivers and had the authority to remove them from service. By 2014, violations over English proficiency had become commonplace, with inspectors issuing more than 101,000 citations for such violations and over 4,000 drivers set aside for not complying with the standard that year alone.
2014 Memo: Regulation Remains, Enforcement Softens
In 2014, during the Obama administration, collaboration between the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration led to a reclassification of the enforcement of the English proficiency rule. While the regulation remained intact, inspectors were advised not to remove drivers from service solely for language deficiencies. Although citations could still be issued, drivers were permitted to keep operating their vehicles.
As a result, English proficiency violations noticeably decreased, with reports showing only 7,800 to 10,000 citations issued yearly between 2017 and 2024. During this period, no drivers were automatically removed from service for English-related violations, effectively softening the practical enforcement of a rule that continued to be mandated by federal law.
2025 Executive Orders: Reviving Enforcement and National Policy
The first 2025 executive order underscored English as a cultural and governmental standard, advocating for unity and civic engagement among federal agencies. The second order targeted trucking safety and communication, directing the DOT to revise roadside enforcement protocols so that drivers could once again be placed out of service for inadequate English communication.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is responsible for overseeing updates to inspection procedures and ensuring compliance with the new enforcement strategy. The White House positioned both orders as initiatives to enhance road safety, operational effectiveness, and shared civic values.
A Divided Industry Response
Proponents of the executive orders argue that the ability to read road signs, respond to safety officials, and manage emergencies in English is vital for public safety. Organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association have strongly supported the need for effective communication among drivers, enforcement personnel, and the public.
Supporters also note that language barriers can lead to delays during inspections, misunderstandings in emergencies, and complications in post-crash investigations. Conversely, critics argue that focusing on English proficiency neglects more pressing safety concerns in the trucking industry.
Key issues highlighted by safety advocates include ongoing license monitoring gaps, states allowing beginner drivers to obtain licenses without adequate training, the growing threat of distracted driving, and compliance challenges in drug and alcohol testing.
Training, Not Language Alone, is the Key
Recent accidents demonstrate that many highway safety challenges extend beyond language proficiency. For instance, a fatal crash involving commercial driver Ignacio Cruz-Mendoza in Colorado occurred while he was operating without a valid commercial driver’s license and had prior offenses. In this case, language wasn’t the main issue; shortcomings in licensing compliance and training were more significant factors.
Across the country, similar incidents indicate that failures in training, oversight, and risk management—rather than language alone—are primary contributors to preventable highway tragedies.
Moving Toward Substantive Solutions
The capability to communicate effectively in English is crucial for truck drivers on American roads, as it facilitates safe navigation of emergencies and comprehension of crucial signage. However, the renewed emphasis on enforcing a long-standing rule raises questions about regulatory priorities.
While reinstating clear enforcement guidelines is essential, many in the industry argue that broader challenges like improved driver training, real-time compliance monitoring, and robust sobriety initiatives require equal, if not greater, attention. Addressing these issues is vital for fostering a safer and more efficient commercial vehicle safety landscape, ensuring that policies governing truck drivers are practical, innovative, and based on solid evidence.
