Truckers Back FMCSA Plan to Strengthen English-Proficiency Rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has proposed making out-of-service orders for commercial drivers who fail English-language proficiency requirements a permanent enforcement measure. The proposal is receiving support from truck drivers and follows a 2025 change that added English proficiency to federal out-of-service criteria.
English proficiency added to out-of-service criteria
Enforcement of English-language requirements for commercial drivers was inconsistent in previous years. Following an executive order issued in April 2025, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance added English proficiency violations to its out-of-service criteria, effective June 25, 2025.
Under the policy, a driver who cannot demonstrate the ability to understand and communicate in English may be placed out of service during a roadside inspection. The driver would not be permitted to resume commercial operations until the violation is addressed.
FMCSA seeks permanent enforcement authority
FMCSA’s proposal would establish a permanent regulatory framework for issuing out-of-service orders in English-proficiency cases rather than relying solely on temporary enforcement changes.
The agency’s action is part of a broader federal effort to ensure that commercial drivers can understand traffic signs, communicate with enforcement personnel and respond to safety-related instructions while operating in the United States.
Non-domiciled CDL holders affected
The enforcement change has particular significance for drivers holding non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses. These licenses may be issued to certain foreign nationals who have lawful status, federal work authorization and meet the same general CDL requirements as other applicants, including written and skills testing.
Drivers in California’s Salinas Valley have participated in English-language programs as federal enforcement has tightened. Supporters of the FMCSA proposal say consistent enforcement will ensure that all commercial drivers operating on U.S. highways meet the same communication requirements.
