Mandatory English for truck drivers in the US
Under a revived federal rule, all freight drivers must speak English and be fully familiar with road signs.
Photo of Brian Stalter in Unsplash
Starting today, June 25, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) are implementing a rule requiring truck drivers to demonstrate English proficiency to continue legally operating trucks in the United States.
Details of the new rule
The requirement is not new, it is part of the Title 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2), which requires commercial drivers to “read and speak English sufficiently well” such as communicating with the public, understanding traffic signs, responding to authorities, and completing forms.
Under former President Trump's executive order of April 28, 2025, the 2016 directive discouraging the removal of drivers with limited English proficiency from service is being revoked, reinstating assessments and penalties effective today.
Inspectors can immediately suspend drivers who fail a basic English interview and a road sign recognition test, without access to interpreters, apps, or visual aids.
The American Trucking Association and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association support the measure, calling it essential for road safety. Meanwhile, immigrant and minority driver groups warn that it could exclude thousands of qualified professionals who operate safely despite their limited English.
FreightWaves estimates that Between 6% and 10% of conductors do not meet the standard today, which could increase logistics costs and reduce transportation capacity.
Applicable measures
Transport companies are offering English classes and DIY materials (videos, scripts) to prepare their drivers, and organizations like the Sikh Coalition have asked the DOT to provide a re-entry pathway for “declared out-of-service” drivers once they demonstrate improvement.
In border areas, citations will be permitted without immediate suspension, except in cross-border cases.
The regulation seeks to strengthen road safety and enhance truck drivers' communication skills. However, it poses risks for non-native drivers and logistical challenges. The coming weeks will be crucial to determine whether the policy strengthens safety or creates a personnel crisis in the transportation sector.
For more stories like this, follow More Latin.
Sources:
English 
Spanish