On April 28, 2025, the President of the United States signed a new executive order aimed at strengthening safety regulations for America’s truck drivers. Under the new directive, all commercial motor vehicle operators must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to read, understand, and communicate effectively on the nation’s roadways.

The order emphasizes that truck drivers must be able to comprehend traffic signs, respond to inquiries from safety officers, border patrol agents, agricultural checkpoint personnel, and cargo inspectors, as well as communicate with employers and customers—all in English. The President described this requirement as "common sense," noting that federal law has long mandated English proficiency for commercial drivers, but enforcement has been lax in recent years.

Key measures outlined in the order include:

• Within 60 days, the Department of Transportation must rescind previous guidance weakening English proficiency enforcement and issue new, stricter inspection procedures.

• Drivers failing to meet English language standards will now be placed out-of-service.

• A review of non-domiciled commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) will be conducted to detect irregularities, with strengthened verification protocols for domestic and international CDLs.

• Additional actions will be taken to improve working conditions for American truck drivers.

The administration emphasized these steps are essential for ensuring safe, secure, and efficient transportation across the country while supporting the hardworking men and women of the trucking industry.

The Department of Transportation will oversee the implementation of the new rules and fund their publication in the Federal Register.

Source: White House Official Website