President Donald Trump is set to sign a new executive order mandating that all commercial truck drivers in the United States must demonstrate proficiency in English, a move described as a "non-negotiable safety requirement" for professional drivers. The signing is scheduled for Monday, April 28, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST, according to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
This executive order aims to strengthen enforcement of existing federal regulations that require truck drivers to read, write, and speak English. The regulations, outlined in 49 CFR section 391.11, stipulate that drivers must be able to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.
Historically, enforcement of these regulations has been lax. In 2014, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) identified over 101,000 English-proficiency violations among drivers, but only 4,036 were placed out of service. This weak enforcement continued until 2016, when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a memo that removed the out-of-service requirement for English Language Proficiency (ELP) violations, making it easier for drivers to prove their skills by allowing the use of interpreters and other aids.
Trump's new order seeks to reverse these relaxed standards, reinstating the CVSA's requirement to place drivers out of service if they fail to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will oversee the implementation of this order, which includes a review of commercial driver's license (CDL) authentication practices and the introduction of new measures to enhance truckers' working conditions.
During a recent news conference, Leavitt emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "This is a big problem in the trucking community. There are significant communication issues between truckers and federal and local officials, which poses a public safety risk. We’re going to ensure that our truckers, who are the backbone of our economy, are all able to speak English. That’s a very commonsense policy in the United States of America."
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which represents about 150,000 truckers, expressed strong support for Trump's decision. OOIDA President Todd Spencer stated, "Basic English skills are essential for reading critical road signs, understanding emergency instructions, and interacting with law enforcement. Road signs save lives – but only when they’re understood. That’s why OOIDA petitioned the CVSA earlier this year to reinstate English proficiency as an out-of-service violation. Today’s announcement is a welcome step toward restoring a commonsense safety standard."
Furthermore, the order is part of a broader push by the Trump administration to promote English as the official language of the United States. This initiative is framed as a means to enhance public safety and foster national unity. The administration argues that stronger enforcement of English requirements among truck drivers is essential for ensuring safety on the roads.
In addition to the English proficiency requirements, Trump’s executive order is expected to address other issues affecting truck drivers through additional administrative and regulatory actions. This comprehensive approach reflects the administration's commitment to improving safety standards in the trucking industry.
As the order is poised to be signed, discussions are also taking place at the state level. For instance, a bill currently under consideration in the Oklahoma House of Representatives would require operators of commercial motor vehicles to demonstrate sufficient proficiency in the English language.
Republican Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming has been vocal about the need for stricter enforcement of English proficiency among truck drivers. In a letter sent to Secretary Duffy on April 10, she highlighted the rise in fatal truck crashes since the 2016 policy change and urged the administration to rescind the memo that relaxed enforcement standards. Hageman stated, "In a state like Wyoming and across the Intermountain West, it should be absolutely critical that CMV drivers retain the ability to read and communicate in English to understand signage and safely navigate the unpredictable and hazardous conditions that are simply a factor of life and afflict every corner of my state."
With the signing of this executive order, the Trump administration aims to address the longstanding concerns regarding English proficiency in the trucking industry, reinforcing the belief that effective communication is crucial for the safety of all road users. As the order takes effect, it will be closely monitored to see how it impacts the trucking community and overall road safety.
