Nearly 200 Truck Drivers Sidelined Over English-Language Violations

State and federal transportation agencies identified more than 330 unqualified or unauthorized commercial drivers during a recent 48-hour enforcement operation in Arkansas, including 183 drivers disqualified for English-language proficiency violations.

Arkansas operation finds widespread violations

According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the joint enforcement effort also uncovered more than 1,000 motor carrier safety violations. The operation targeted commercial drivers and carriers operating without the required qualifications or authorization.

Authorities also reported that some violations resulted in federal immigration enforcement. The agencies involved did not provide additional details about the individual cases in the information available.

National ELP enforcement expands

The Arkansas findings come as federal officials increase enforcement of English-language proficiency requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The U.S. Department of Transportation said more than 28,000 commercial drivers had been placed out of service nationwide for failing to meet those requirements since June 2025.

English-language proficiency is a federal qualification for drivers subject to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations. Drivers are expected to demonstrate the ability to communicate with officials and understand traffic signs, signals and other safety-related information.

Texas reportedly accounts for approximately 57% of the violations included in the national enforcement data. Officials have also described a limited exemption for certain operations within a border zone, although that exemption does not apply once a load or trip leaves the designated area.

Industry impact and carrier screening

The scale of the enforcement has prompted concerns about the potential effect on freight capacity if large numbers of drivers are removed from service. Industry observers have pointed to the importance of balancing compliance and road safety enforcement with the need to maintain reliable freight movement.

Some carriers are responding by adding additional screening measures. Super Ego, for example, has indicated that customers may be required to submit driving records for review of possible English-language proficiency violations or deficiencies.

Federal and state agencies are expected to continue examining driver qualifications, carrier safety compliance and authorization requirements as enforcement efforts expand.