15/06/2025
English Proficiency Order in Trucking: Stricter Enforcement, Industry Division, and Driver Anxiety
Since President Trump's executive order in April 2025 mandating stricter enforcement of English proficiency for commercial truck drivers, the trucking industry has seen swift regulatory changes, divided reactions, and a growing sense of uncertainty among drivers. The order, which designates English as the nation's official language and a "non-negotiable safety requirement" for truckers, has moved from a policy declaration to active enforcement.
Under new guidance issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in May, a driver who cannot adequately communicate in English with law enforcement during a roadside stop will be placed "out-of-service." This means they are immediately prohibited from operating their commercial vehicle. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has since updated its criteria, with this new out-of-service violation set to be enforced nationwide starting June 25, 2025. Enforcement officials will reportedly initiate all inspections in English and may proceed with a proficiency test if they suspect a language barrier.
The stated goal of the executive order is to improve highway safety, with proponents pointing to tragic accidents where language barriers were a contributing factor. One widely cited case involves a fatal 2024 crash in Colorado where the truck driver, a Mexican citizen with a history of deportations, could not speak English. The widow of the man killed in that accident has publicly supported Trump's executive order.
The trucking industry's response to the mandate has been fractured. Major organizations like the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have expressed support, framing it as a necessary step to ensure all drivers can understand road signs, regulations, and communicate in emergencies. They argue it will help w**d out "bad actors" and level the playing field for all drivers.
However, the order has also drawn significant criticism and raised concerns. Immigrant advocacy groups and some trucking companies worry about the potential for discrimination and the impact on the industry's already strained workforce. With an existing shortage of tens of thousands of drivers, there is apprehension that taking experienced, non-English-speaking drivers off the road could exacerbate supply chain issues.
A key point of contention is the lack of a standardized test for English proficiency. The determination is left to the discretion of the individual law enforcement officer, leading to fears of inconsistent and subjective enforcement. This has caused considerable anxiety among immigrant drivers, including those from Canada, who worry that an accent or limited conversational fluency could lead to being unjustly put out-of-service, resulting in lost income and potential job loss.
For now, the industry is bracing for the full implementation of the out-of-service criteria. Trucking companies are being urged to assess the English skills of their drivers, and some are considering offering language training to retain their workforce. The long-term effects on highway safety, the driver workforce, and the national supply chain remain a critical point of observation as this new chapter of enforcement unfolds.
