Secretary of Transportation Sean P. Duffy Tuesday signed an order at a trucking event in Austin, Texas announcing new guidelines to strengthen English language enforcement for commercial truck operators.
Under the new guidance, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who fail to comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) longstanding English-language proficiency (ELP) requirements will be placed out-of-service.
Duffy said enforcement of the new guidelines will begin June 25.
“America First means safety first. Americans are a lot safer on roads alongside truckers who can understand and interpret our traffic signs. This common-sense change ensures the penalty for failure to comply is more than a slap on the wrist,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
This new guidance is in line with the President’s April 2025 Executive Order to strengthen highway safety by ensuring that all commercial drivers are properly qualified and proficient in English.
John Esparza, president of the Texas Trucking Association, welcomed the move.
“Imagine you’re in enforcement and unable to communicate roadside. This is basic,” Esparza said.
“This is a good day for truckers, a good day for families and a good day for common sense,” said Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association President Todd Spencer. “The only thing that separates safe trips from deadly ones can be a simple road sign."
In April, Duffy announced steps to rescind a Obama-era policy that dismissed ELP requirements for CMV drivers.
Duffy thanked the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance for its prompt cooperation following the President’s Executive Order. ELP violations will once again be included in the out-of-service criteria, ensuring consistent, nationwide enforcement.
