Truckers Back FMCSA Plan to Strengthen English-Proficiency Rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing to make out-of-service orders permanent for commercial drivers who fail to meet federal English-language proficiency requirements, a move that has drawn support from truck drivers and other industry participants.
FMCSA Reviews English-Proficiency Violations
FMCSA said it reviewed roadside inspection records involving commercial drivers cited for failing to meet English-language proficiency requirements. The agency’s proposal would establish a permanent out-of-service consequence for drivers who do not meet the federal standard.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the policy is intended to support the safe and continued movement of freight across the country.
“Our great American truckers will continue to haul the products that power America and keep our economy moving,” Duffy said.
CDL School Enforcement
The Department of Transportation has paired the proposed enforcement policy with a broader review of commercial driver licensing. In late August, the department shuttered 110 CDL driving schools after linking them to thousands of failed English-proficiency results.
The actions are part of an effort to examine how commercial drivers are trained, tested and licensed before entering the industry.
Non-Domiciled CDL Holders
The policy has also drawn attention to non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses, which may be issued to foreign nationals who meet federal eligibility requirements. Applicants must have legal status, federal work authorization and satisfy the requirements for a standard CDL.
Those requirements include an acceptable driving record, English-language proficiency and successful completion of written and behind-the-wheel testing.
FMCSA’s proposed rule would permanently formalize the out-of-service consequences for drivers who fail to meet the English-language standard, subject to the federal rulemaking process.
