FMCSA Proposes Permanent English Language Rules for Truck Drivers

A new federal proposal would make English language proficiency requirements for commercial drivers a permanent regulation. This change would lock in current enforcement practices and prevent future administrations from reversing them through guidance memos.

Drivers who cannot read or speak English well enough to understand road signs and safety instructions will face out-of-service orders. The rule applies to all commercial motor vehicle drivers, with one exception for trips that do not involve transportation within the United States outside the U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones.

Federal law has required drivers to understand English since 1937. Enforcement standards have shifted between administrations. A 2016 policy allowed inspectors to use translation tools and avoided out-of-service citations. Recent executive orders directed stricter enforcement, and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance added language proficiency to its out-of-service criteria.

FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs stated that inspectors have already removed more than 26,000 drivers from the road under the current strict standards. He noted that drivers who cannot read basic warning signs create serious safety risks.

Carriers and drivers can submit comments on the proposal by October 9. Once finalized, the regulation will require states to adopt matching language standards, ensuring consistent enforcement across all jurisdictions.

Source: Heavy Duty Trucking — https://www.truckinginfo.com/news/fmcsa-moves-to-codify-english-language-requirements-for-commercial-drivers