President Trump has reinstated English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers nationwide, overturning an Obama-era policy that had relaxed enforcement standards since 2016.
Key Insights
- Trump’s executive order mandates English proficiency testing for all commercial truck drivers, with violators to be placed out of service until they meet standards.
- The policy reinstates a 1937 requirement that was relaxed under Obama in 2016, with supporters citing a 30% increase in fatal truck crashes since that relaxation.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will work with Trump on further initiatives to “make our roadways safer and put American truckers first.”
- The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, representing 150,000 truckers, strongly supports the enforcement of English proficiency requirements.
- Legislation called “Connor’s Law,” named after a crash victim, is being proposed to permanently codify English language requirements for commercial drivers.
Executive Order Reinstates Strict Language Standards
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday afternoon requiring commercial truck drivers to demonstrate English language proficiency or face being removed from service. The directive specifically targets a 2016 Obama administration memorandum that had eased enforcement of language requirements for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. Trump’s order instructs the Department of Transportation to implement immediate testing protocols and strengthen inspection procedures to verify drivers can communicate effectively in English.
The executive order effectively reinstates a policy dating back to 1937 that required commercial vehicle operators to read and speak English sufficiently for public interaction and understanding traffic signs. Transportation officials will now be authorized to place drivers out of service if they cannot demonstrate adequate English skills during roadside inspections or other official interactions.
Safety Concerns Drive Policy Change
Republican Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, who had requested the rescindment of the 2016 memo, drew direct connections between the relaxed language requirements and road safety issues. Data presented to support the policy change showed a significant increase in accidents involving commercial vehicles since the Obama-era guidance was implemented.
“When looking at available data, it is well within reason to conclude that this guidance has played a factor in the number of trucking accidents throughout the last several years.” – Republican Representative Harriet Hageman
Reports indicate fatal crashes involving large trucks have increased by approximately 30% since the policy change that relaxed English language enforcement. The Trump administration views English proficiency as essential for road safety, enabling drivers to read warning signs, understand emergency instructions, and communicate effectively with law enforcement, border patrol, and agricultural checkpoint officers.
Industry Support and Future Legislation
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), which represents 150,000 truck drivers, has expressed strong support for Trump’s decision. Earlier this year, the organization had petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to reinstate English proficiency as an out-of-service violation, citing serious safety concerns.
“OOIDA and the 150,000 truckers we proudly represent strongly support President Trump’s decision to resume enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. 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.” – Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Todd Peters
Beyond the executive order, the Small Business in Transportation Coalition is advocating for Congress to pass permanent legislation codifying these requirements. The proposed “Connor’s Law” is named after Connor Dzion, who was killed in an accident allegedly involving a truck driver unable to understand English. Meanwhile, individual states are also taking action, with Oklahoma’s House of Representatives considering legislation to mandate English proficiency for commercial vehicle operators at the state level.
Broader Implications for Transportation Policy
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated this executive order is just the beginning of a larger initiative focused on American truckers. Duffy shared on social media that he will be making additional announcements with President Trump aimed at improving roadway safety and prioritizing American workers in the transportation sector.
“[Truckers] should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station officers. This is common sense.” – Trump
The executive order builds on Trump’s earlier efforts to designate English as the official language of the United States. The policy change reflects the administration’s broader approach to transportation safety, immigration, and labor policies, establishing clear standards for those operating commercial vehicles on American highways while reinforcing the importance of effective communication in safety-critical occupations.
Sources:
- Trump Reversing Obama-Era Rule with Order Requiring Truckers Speak English
- No English, No Engine: Trump Signs Language Requirement For Truckers
