On April 28, 2025, President Donald Trump signed a significant executive order mandating that commercial truck drivers in the United States must demonstrate proficiency in English. This order is part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing safety on American roadways and addressing communication challenges between truck drivers and regulatory officials.
The executive order, titled "Enforcing Commonsense Rules of The Road for America’s Truck Drivers," reiterates a long-standing federal requirement that has been in place since 1970, which states that commercial drivers must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public and understand highway traffic signs. However, enforcement of this law has weakened in recent years, particularly following a 2016 guidance from the Obama administration that relaxed the rules.
During a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt emphasized the necessity of this requirement. “You might not know, but there’s a lot of communication problems between truckers on the road with federal officials and local officials, as well, which obviously is a public safety risk,” she stated. She further noted that the new order would bolster road safety by ensuring that truckers can effectively communicate with traffic safety officers, border patrol agents, and other officials.
Trump's executive order directs Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to rescind the 2016 guidance that had diluted enforcement of English proficiency and to restore the out-of-service designation for violations of this requirement. A driver who fails to demonstrate adequate English proficiency will be placed out-of-service, effectively removing them from the road until they can comply.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) expressed strong support for the executive order. OOIDA President Todd Spencer remarked, “Basic English skills are essential for reading critical road signs, understanding emergency instructions, and interacting with law enforcement.” He added that the enforcement of English proficiency is a welcome step towards restoring a common-sense safety standard.
Trump's order builds upon his earlier declaration in March 2025 that designated English as the official language of the United States. In that order, he asserted that a nationally designated language is fundamental to a unified society, allowing citizens to exchange ideas freely.
In addition to reinstating English proficiency requirements, the executive order also calls for a review of how states issue commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to non-domiciled drivers. This review aims to identify any unusual patterns or irregularities in the issuance of these licenses, particularly concerning foreign citizens.
Furthermore, the order mandates that the Department of Transportation and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issue new guidance within 60 days to implement these changes. This includes revising inspection procedures necessary for ensuring compliance with the English proficiency requirements.
Trump’s administration has faced criticism for its hardline immigration policies and the impact they have on immigrant rights. Nonetheless, the administration maintains that these measures are essential for the safety and efficiency of the trucking industry, which is considered the backbone of the American economy.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of foreign-born truck drivers in the United States, a trend that has raised concerns about the enforcement of English proficiency standards. The Biden administration had previously promoted initiatives to expand truck driving training opportunities for refugees, which some experts believe contributed to the influx of foreign drivers.
During the coronavirus pandemic, Trump publicly lauded the efforts of American truckers, referring to them as “the foot soldiers who are really carrying us to victory.” This sentiment underscores the administration's recognition of the critical role that truck drivers play in maintaining the supply chain and ensuring the delivery of goods across the nation.
Despite the potential benefits of enforcing English proficiency, the executive order has sparked debate among various stakeholders in the trucking industry. Some argue that strict language requirements could exacerbate labor shortages in an industry already facing significant workforce challenges.
In light of the new executive order, trucking experts and industry leaders are hopeful for a renewed focus on safety and compliance. The FMCSA has documented instances where language barriers have contributed to accidents involving commercial vehicles, highlighting the importance of clear communication on the road.
As the trucking industry navigates these changes, the administration's commitment to enforcing English proficiency standards will likely have lasting implications for drivers and the broader transportation landscape. The emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance reflects a growing recognition of the need for effective communication in ensuring the safety of all road users.
With this executive order, President Trump aims to address long-standing concerns about language barriers in the trucking industry while reinforcing the essential role of English proficiency in maintaining safety on American highways. As the administration moves forward with implementing these changes, the trucking community will be watching closely to see how they unfold.
