SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California has begun enforcing federal English language proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers after months of noncompliance, prompting the U.S. Department of Transportation to move forward with unfreezing more than $40 million in withheld federal funding.

The USDOT confirmed that California is now enforcing the longstanding rule requiring commercial motor vehicle drivers to demonstrate the ability to communicate in English and understand highway traffic signs.

Last October, the department withheld more than $40 million in federal transportation funds after Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy stated that California was the only state failing to enforce the English Language Proficiency requirements.

“I shouldn’t have had to threaten to withhold millions in funding for California to come to their senses and enforce the law,” Duffy said. “For those who said we’re playing politics—our efforts have gotten real results for the American people.”

According to USDOT, California has now begun enforcing the rule, and the department is in the process of restoring the withheld funding.

Enforcement Efforts Underway

The California Highway Patrol has reportedly been conducting English proficiency assessments during commercial vehicle stops since mid-January.

Under federal regulations, commercial drivers must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public, understand traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries and complete required reports.

In one recent stop, video showed a commercial driver stating he understood only a little English. No citation was issued in that instance, but the driver was not allowed to continue operating the truck. A passenger who demonstrated English proficiency was required to take control of the vehicle.

“California Highway Patrol has begun enforcing the English Language Proficiency requirements for all drivers of commercial motor vehicles,” said Nick Chiappe, director of government and regulatory affairs for the California Trucking Association, in a LinkedIn post.

Federal Push for Compliance

Earlier this year, President Donald Trump signed an executive order strengthening enforcement of English language proficiency standards and authorizing the removal of commercial drivers from service if they fail to meet the requirement.

USDOT officials have linked enforcement of the rule to roadway safety concerns. In one previously cited case, a truck driver involved in a fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike reportedly failed an English proficiency assessment, answering only two of twelve verbal questions correctly and identifying just one of four highway signs.

“If states had followed the rules, this driver would never have been behind the wheel and three precious lives would still be with us,” Duffy said in a prior statement.

With California now enforcing the federal standard, USDOT officials said the state will regain access to the previously withheld $40 million in transportation funding.

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