New Guidance Enforces English Proficiency for Truckers

June 30, 2025 – In May 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy signed a new order strengthening enforcement of the English proficiency requirement for commercial truck drivers. This move aligns with the Trump Administration’s ongoing focus on enhancing road safety, promoting accountability, and ensuring clear communication on America’s highways.

The updated guidance directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to actively enforce existing federal regulations that require drivers operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce to be able to speak and understand English sufficiently. This includes the ability to converse with law enforcement officers, read road signs, complete paperwork, and respond to emergency situations.

“For too long, this rule has been ignored or inconsistently applied,” said Secretary Duffy. “If you’re behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound truck, you must be able to understand traffic signs and follow instructions that could mean the difference between life and death. This is about safety and common sense.”

The enforcement guidance also includes training for FMCSA inspectors and state partners to ensure consistent application during roadside inspections and compliance reviews. Trucking companies found in violation may face penalties, and drivers not meeting the standard may be placed out of service.

Industry reaction has been largely supportive. Advocates say the move restores integrity to commercial driver qualification standards and ensures all drivers can communicate effectively in critical situations. Critics, however, have raised concerns about implementation and the need for clearer standards.

Nonetheless, Secretary Duffy emphasized that the policy is not about exclusion but about safety. “America’s roads must be safe for everyone — truckers, families, and first responders,” he said. “This is a commonsense measure that reinforces professionalism in the industry and helps save lives.”

The new guidance is part of a broader effort to modernize and streamline federal oversight of the trucking industry.