President Trump has reinstated English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers, reversing an Obama-era policy in a move aimed at enhancing road safety for all Americans.
Key Takeaways
- Trump’s executive order enforces existing federal law requiring commercial truck drivers to be proficient in English, which the administration claims has been neglected for years.
- Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy is directed to rescind Obama-era guidance that weakened English language requirements and to revise out-of-service criteria for non-compliant drivers.
- The order has received support from major trucking associations, including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and American Trucking Associations, who cite safety concerns.
- Drivers must demonstrate ability to read traffic signs, communicate with law enforcement, and complete required documentation in English.
- The mandate aligns with Trump’s broader initiative to establish English as the official language of the United States.
Restoring Safety Standards on American Highways
President Donald Trump’s executive order enforcing English language proficiency for commercial truck drivers addresses a longstanding safety concern in the trucking industry. The order directs officials to enforce federal regulations requiring drivers to demonstrate sufficient English language skills to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and complete necessary documentation. According to the administration, these requirements have been insufficiently enforced in recent years, potentially compromising road safety for all Americans who share highways with commercial vehicles.
The executive action specifically targets a 2016 memorandum issued during the Obama administration that effectively weakened enforcement of the language proficiency standard. Trump’s order directs Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to rescind this guidance and establish clear protocols for ensuring compliance across the trucking industry. Drivers failing to meet the English proficiency requirement will be placed out-of-service, preventing them from operating commercial vehicles on American roads.
"On behalf of America's Truck Drivers, we, the founders of American Truckers United, extend our heartfelt gratitude to President Donald Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy for the executive order mandating English proficiency for all truck drivers and addressing the… pic.twitter.com/grnkiJ1BLg
— American Truckers (@atutruckers) April 29, 2025
Industry Support for the Measure
Multiple trucking industry organizations have expressed support for Trump’s directive. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing approximately 150,000 truckers, has publicly endorsed the action as necessary for highway safety. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and other regional transportation groups have similarly backed the move, emphasizing the importance of consistent application of safety standards nationwide.
Shannon Newton of the Arkansas Trucking Association welcomed the federal approach, noting that elevation to the national level would ensure consistent enforcement and maximize safety benefits. The Small Business in Transportation Coalition has similarly voiced approval, highlighting the connection between language proficiency and the ability to operate commercial vehicles safely in various traffic and emergency situations.
Legal Framework and Safety Rationale
Federal regulations have long required commercial drivers to demonstrate English language proficiency as part of safety qualifications. Transportation Secretary Duffy emphasized the legal foundation for the requirement, stating that federal law clearly defines drivers who cannot sufficiently read or speak English as unqualified to operate commercial motor vehicles. The executive order directs regulatory authorities to ensure consistent enforcement of this existing law rather than creating new regulations.
The order specifically addresses the practical safety concerns related to language barriers in commercial transportation. Drivers must be able to read and comprehend traffic signs, respond appropriately to instructions from law enforcement or safety officials, and accurately complete required documentation. Industry experts point to these capabilities as essential for preventing accidents and ensuring efficient response during roadside inspections or emergency situations on America’s highways.
Sources:
Trump signs executive order requiring truck drivers to speak English
Trucking industry reacts to Trump’s ELP executive order for drivers
Trump’s New Plan for Truck Drivers Will Enhance Safety, Drive Libs Out of Their Minds
