Starting June 25: English Proficiency for Truckers is Mandatory

Starting June 25: English Proficiency for Truckers is Mandatory [Update]

6/23/2025

June 23, 2025

Effective Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has reinstated English Language Proficiency (ELP) as an out‑of‑service violation during roadside inspections.

What is the English Proficiency Mandate for Truckers and how it all works

What is the Out‑of‑Service Penalty for English Proficiency?

Truck drivers can be placed out of service if they fail to meet English language proficiency standards during roadside inspections, per new federal enforcement guidelines.

What is Required to Avoid 'Out of Service' Penalty

Under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2), drivers must demonstrate sufficient ability to:

Speak and understand English in conversation with the public and enforcement officials.
Read and comprehend highway traffic signs and signals.
Respond to official inquiries and accurately complete reports and records

How the Requirements are Tested

The FMCSA has provided a two‑step roadside assessment for officers:

Step 1: A direct driver interview conducted in English—without interpreters or assistive devices.
Step 2: Recognition test involving U.S. road signs and electronic message boards

Possible Outcome of English Proficiency Test

If a driver fails Step 1, an out‑of‑service order is issued immediately. Passing Step 1 is required before proceeding to sign assessment. Notably, drivers operating within U.S.–Mexico border commercial zones may receive citations but will not be placed out‑of‑service or disqualified.

NEWS: @SecDuffy has announced new guidelines to enhance enforcement of English proficiency for commercial truckers.

Under @POTUS' leadership, we're improving highway safety by ensuring every driver is qualified and proficient in English—our national language.

Starting June 25,… pic.twitter.com/LmvCDaflMN
— U.S. Department of Transportation (@USDOT) May 20, 2025

This rule change is based on a White House Executive Order that reversed a 2016 FMCSA memo and directed enforcement agencies to treat ELP violations with the same severity as other critical safety infractions.

New E.O. Mandates English Proficiency for Truckers

On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed an executive order mandating that all commercial truck drivers in the United States demonstrate English proficiency. The order, aimed at enhancing road safety, requires drivers to pass literacy tests and empowers the Department of Transportation to enforce these standards.

President Trump signes EO requiring all truckers speak, read and write English

Drivers failing to meet the criteria may be placed out of service. This move reinstates stricter language requirements that had been relaxed under previous administrations.

What Executive Order 14224 means for Trucking

The executive order is part of a broader initiative by the Trump administration to emphasize the use of English in the U.S. In March 2025, President Trump signed another order declaring English as the nation's official language, rescinding a Clinton-era mandate that required federal agencies to provide language assistance to non-English speakers. While supporters argue that these measures promote unity and safety, critics express concern over potential discrimination against non-English-speaking communities and the impact on immigrant populations.

New Executive Order 14224 may cause auto transport pickup delays.

How EO 14224 may cause trucking delays

The auto transport industry is currently facing significant delays due to a combination of factors, including driver shortages, rising fuel costs, and evolving regulations. These challenges are impacting delivery schedules and overall efficiency in vehicle shipping. If you're experiencing delays or have questions about your auto transport needs, please contact us for more information and assistance.

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