Land Line Media: Feds Tighten English-Proficiency Enforcement
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is preparing a proposed rule that would codify the federal requirement to place commercial drivers out of service when they fail to demonstrate adequate English-language proficiency.
Proposal Would Formalize Existing Enforcement Standard
Under federal commercial motor vehicle regulations, drivers must be able to communicate in English with the public and enforcement officials, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and complete required records and reports.
The proposed rule would make the out-of-service consequence for failing to meet those requirements explicit in federal regulations. The agency said the change is intended to promote consistent enforcement nationwide and prevent future administrations from reversing the policy through administrative action.
“Federal law is clear: Drivers who can’t read or speak English or understand road signs are unqualified to operate 80,000-pound big rigs on America’s highways,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said in announcing the proposal.
Thousands of Drivers Reportedly Removed From Service
The Department of Transportation began emphasizing enforcement of existing English-language proficiency requirements in 2025. Administration officials have said that approximately 26,000 commercial drivers were removed from service after failing to adequately demonstrate English proficiency. Other department data cited in public statements placed the figure at more than 20,000.
The reported enforcement totals include inspections conducted by state and federal personnel. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has also identified English-language proficiency violations during targeted commercial vehicle enforcement operations.
One operation resulted in 3,487 enforcement stops and placed 766 commercial vehicles or drivers out of service. Officials reported 36 English-language proficiency violations, along with immigration detentions, criminal charges, incarcerations and the recovery of stolen freight.
Rulemaking Process Still Ahead
The FMCSA is expected to publish a notice of proposed rulemaking addressing English-language proficiency enforcement. The agency said the rule would establish a uniform federal standard for placing noncompliant drivers out of service.
A proposed rule would not immediately become final. The agency would first publish the proposal, accept public comments and review those comments before deciding whether to issue a final regulation.
The effort follows a 2025 petition from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance requesting clearer and more consistent enforcement of English-language requirements among commercial drivers.
Funding Pressure Also Reported
The federal government has separately sought to pressure states to enforce the existing requirements, including reported efforts to withhold or restrict certain federal transportation funds from jurisdictions that do not comply with federal commercial driver enforcement standards.
The proposed rule would apply to commercial motor vehicle operations subject to federal safety regulations. Until a final rule is published and takes effect, enforcement remains governed by the existing federal requirements and agency guidance.
