Effective June 2025, U.S. transportation enforcement will take a stronger stance on a rule that has been in place for years but has often been unenforced: Commercial truck drivers must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to read and understand road signs, communicate with enforcement officials, and respond to official instructions.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), along with the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), has formally clarified this rule, allowing inspectors to place drivers out of service (OOS) immediately if they fail to meet English language requirements during a roadside inspection.
This enforcement is not a new policy; it is a renewed emphasis on an old requirement aimed at improving safety and compliance on U.S. roads.
Why Is This Rule Being Enforced Now?
According to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, this move strengthens clarity for both inspectors and fleets. The FMCSA’s guidance makes clear that the expectation for English proficiency ties directly to highway safety. Drivers unable to understand signage, communicate with officers, or follow safety instructions pose risks to themselves and others.
The CVSA has now added this rule to its North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. This inclusion gives inspectors clear authority to enforce the rule during inspections, much like violations for Hours of Service or vehicle defects.
Enforcement is already impacting cross-border carriers, particularly fleets operating between Mexico, the U.S., and Canada, where language barriers are more common. But the rule applies to all CDL drivers operating within U.S. borders.
How Will Roadside Enforcement Work?
During inspections, drivers may be tested in two key ways:
1. Verbal Communication
Inspectors will conduct basic conversations in English, asking questions about the trip, paperwork, and driving details. If the driver cannot answer or understand simple, routine questions in English without the aid of an interpreter, they may be placed OOS.
2. Traffic Sign Recognition
Drivers must be able to demonstrate that they can read and comprehend standard traffic signs aligned with the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) guidelines. Failure to do so can result in immediate enforcement action.
Risks for Drivers and Fleets
1. Immediate Out-of-Service Penalties
Drivers found non-compliant will be removed from operating until someone proficient in English can take control of the vehicle. This creates immediate delays, logistical headaches, and potential financial consequences.
2. CSA Scores Impact
Out-of-service violations directly impact a carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores. Poor CSA scores can affect insurance premiums, customer trust, and load opportunities.
3. Legal and Financial Risks
If drivers are pulled OOS for language issues, delays can cause missed deliveries, increased detention costs, and strain on business relationships. For small fleets and owner-operators, these disrupt profits directly.
Industry Reaction and Concerns
Many industry groups support the clarification, noting that communication is essential for safety. However, cross-border fleets, especially those with Mexican drivers operating in the U.S., have raised concerns about potential bias or inconsistency in enforcement.
Some carriers fear the subjective nature of “proficiency” could leave room for interpretation, potentially leading to unfair treatment. Others view it as a necessary measure to uphold roadway safety and align with existing regulations that require English language proficiency for CDL licensing.
Organizations in heavily affected regions, such as Laredo, Texas, and El Paso, are already offering English language resources and training programs for drivers to help mitigate these risks.
What Can Fleets and Owner-Operators Do Now?
1. Reassess Your Workforce
Ensure every driver operating under your authority has a basic command of spoken and written English. Confirm that they can confidently pass verbal questioning and read standard traffic signs without assistance.
2. Provide Training Opportunities
Consider offering basic English courses or refresher training, particularly for drivers who may be less confident in their language skills. Investing in language skills can prevent future violations and improve driver confidence during inspections.
3. Prepare for Inspections
Ensure drivers understand the importance of clear, confident communication during inspections. Running internal mock inspections can help prepare drivers for real scenarios and minimize surprises.
Conclusion
The renewed focus on English proficiency enforcement is not about targeting specific groups; it’s about ensuring all drivers can operate safely and communicate effectively on the U.S. roads. For owner-operators and small fleet owners, this rule adds another layer of responsibility to your compliance checklist. The cost of non-compliance, including lost time, CSA points, and damage to business reputation, is too high to ignore.
Staying proactive through training, awareness, and preparedness will help your fleet avoid costly disruptions and maintain a strong operational standard in today’s evolving regulatory landscape.
