Truckers and Language Rules: Controversy and Policy Shifts Under Trump

President Trump signs executive order reinstating English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers, reversing Obama-era policy amid safety concerns and heated debates over transportation regulations.

Key Takeaways

Trump’s executive order mandates English proficiency for commercial truck drivers, reinstating requirements from 1937 that were relaxed under the Obama administration.
Drivers unable to meet English proficiency standards will be placed out of service until they can demonstrate adequate language skills.
The Department of Transportation will strengthen inspection procedures for verifying drivers’ English skills, with Secretary Sean Duffy promising enhanced roadway safety.
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association strongly supports the measure, citing safety benefits for reading road signs and communicating with authorities.
The policy follows reports of a 30% increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks since the Obama-era enforcement relaxation.

Trump Reverses Obama-Era Language Policy for Truckers

President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday evening mandating English proficiency for commercial truck drivers, effectively reversing a 2016 Obama administration memorandum that had relaxed enforcement of language requirements. The order directs the Department of Transportation to begin English literacy testing for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators and prohibits drivers who fail to meet proficiency standards from operating vehicles until they can demonstrate adequate skills. This action reinstates a policy dating back to 1937 requiring CMV operators to read and speak English sufficiently for public interaction and understanding traffic signs.

The executive order aligns with Trump’s earlier move to designate English as the official language of the United States. Under the directive, the U.S. Department of Transportation will strengthen inspection procedures specifically targeting verification of drivers’ language abilities. The administration justifies this policy shift as essential for safety, enabling drivers to properly read road signs and communicate effectively with authorities, including law enforcement, border patrol, and checkpoint officials during roadside inspections.

Safety Concerns Drive Policy Change

Republican Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming had requested rescinding the 2016 Obama memo, linking the relaxed enforcement to concerning safety statistics. “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,” said Hageman. Industry reports indicate a spike in fatal crashes involving large trucks since the policy change, with approximately a 30% increase in such incidents over the period following the Obama administration’s enforcement relaxation.

“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. Today’s announcement is a welcome step toward restoring a common-sense safety standard.” – Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Todd Peters

The Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) has also voiced support for reinstating the English proficiency requirement. Taking the policy a step further, the organization is calling for Congress to pass legislation, such as the proposed Connor’s Law, to permanently codify these requirements. Connor’s Law is named after Connor Dzion, who was killed in an accident involving a truck driver allegedly unable to understand English instructions. The legislation aims to cement English language proficiency standards for commercial motor vehicle operators regardless of future administration changes.

Administration Promises Enhanced Safety Measures

DOT Secretary Sean Duffy shared news about the executive order on social media, announcing plans for a “big announcement” with President Trump focused on making “our roadways safer and put American truckers first.” The administration’s approach frames the language requirement as both a safety measure and a protection for American workers in the transportation industry. Trump emphasized during the signing that commercial drivers “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.”

“[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 is already influencing state-level policies, with the Oklahoma House of Representatives advancing a bill to require English proficiency for commercial vehicle operators within the state. The administration’s transportation policies continue to emphasize safety standards while simultaneously addressing concerns about domestic workforce priorities. Industry groups representing independent truck drivers have largely welcomed the return to stricter language enforcement, seeing it as a necessary correction to maintain safety standards across America’s highways and protect both commercial drivers and the general public sharing the roads.