President Donald Trump's latest executive action targets language requirements in the commercial trucking industry amid growing safety concerns.
According to Newsweek, Trump signed an executive order on Monday that mandates commercial truck drivers demonstrate English proficiency, effectively reversing a 2016 Obama-era memorandum that had relaxed enforcement of language requirements.
The order directs the Department of Transportation to strengthen inspection procedures for verifying drivers' English language skills and reviewing commercial driver's license authentication. Under the new policy, drivers who fail to meet English proficiency standards will be immediately placed out of service, marking a significant shift from the previous administration's more lenient approach.
Republican Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming played a crucial role in pushing for this policy reversal. In an April 10 letter to Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, she cited data showing a consistent increase in fatal truck crashes since the 2016 memorandum's implementation.
The Trump administration emphasizes that English proficiency is essential for road safety, particularly for drivers navigating through challenging weather conditions and terrain. Officials argue that the ability to read road signs and communicate effectively with law enforcement and checkpoint personnel is non-negotiable.
State legislatures have also begun addressing this issue independently. Oklahoma's House of Representatives is currently considering legislation that would require all commercial motor vehicle operators within state borders to demonstrate adequate English language skills.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing 150,000 truckers, has expressed strong support for Trump's decision. Todd Peters of OOIDA offered this statement:
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. That's why OOIDA petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance earlier this year to reinstate English proficiency as an out-of-service violation.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced plans to make a joint appearance with Trump to outline additional measures aimed at enhancing road safety and supporting American truckers. The administration's executive order, as shared by Breitbart News and reposted by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, states:
President Trump believes that English is a non-negotiable safety requirement for professional drivers, as they should be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate with traffic safety officers, border patrol, agricultural checkpoints, and cargo weight-limit station personnel, and provide and receive feedback and directions in English.
The implementation of stricter language requirements comes as part of Trump's broader initiative to establish English as the official language of the United States. The Department of Transportation will oversee the enforcement of these new standards through enhanced inspection procedures.
The policy change particularly impacts areas with high commercial truck traffic and challenging driving conditions. Wyoming and other Intermountain West states have been vocal supporters of stricter language requirements due to their unique geographic and weather-related challenges.
The move has garnered support from industry associations and safety advocates who argue that clear communication is essential for preventing accidents and ensuring efficient operations at checkpoints and weigh stations.
President Trump signed the executive order in the Oval Office at 5 p.m. on Monday, setting in motion a significant shift in commercial trucking regulations. The order represents a complete reversal of the 2016 Obama administration memo that had removed out-of-service penalties for English Language Proficiency violations.
The Department of Transportation will now begin implementing stronger inspection procedures and authentication processes for commercial driver's licenses, with immediate consequences for drivers who fail to meet the English proficiency requirements. This development aligns with broader efforts to enhance road safety and standardize communication requirements across the commercial transportation sector.
