What Is The New English Proficiency Rule For Truck Drivers?

A new executive order was signed by President Donald J. Trump on April 28, 2025, and it’s something all commercial truck drivers need to know about. The order is called the Enforcing Common Sense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers, and while it sounds new, it’s actually reinforcing a rule that’s been around for years.

The rule? Commercial drivers must be able to read and speak English.

This isn’t a brand-new law. It’s already written into federal regulations (under 49 CFR 391.11, Part B2). But now, the government is stepping up enforcement — meaning drivers and companies will be expected to take it more seriously.

What’s Changing?

The law itself hasn’t changed, but enforcement has. Think of it like what happened when ELDs (electronic logging devices) became mandatory. Hours-of-service rules didn’t change, but how they were tracked and enforced did.

Now, inspectors and DOT officers will be checking more carefully to make sure drivers can:

• Read traffic signs and signals

• Speak with police, DOT inspectors, and the general public

• Understand safety regulations and respond to questions

Where Will it Be Enforced?

You could be checked in a few different places:

• When getting your CDL: You’ll need to show you can speak and understand English as part of the licensing process.

• During roadside inspections: If an officer pulls you over and you can’t understand their instructions or communicate clearly, you could be taken off the road.

• During DOT audits: Companies being checked by the DOT will also be evaluated based on whether their drivers meet this requirement.

What Happens If You Don’t Comply?

The penalties are serious if you don't comply. Check out how the penalties differ for drivers and carriers:

For Drivers

• You could be placed out of service right away, meaning you’ll be shut down on the spot if you can’t speak or understand English well enough.

For Carriers

• Companies that hire drivers who don’t meet the requirement could face fines from a few hundred to several thousand dollars per violation.

• In severe cases, companies could face suspension of operating authority, which means they won’t be allowed to run loads at all.

Why is This Happening?

According to the White House, trucking fatalities have gone up in recent years. Some of that increase is believed to be caused by miscommunication (drivers being unable to read road signs or talk with safety officials).

This executive order is designed to make sure that every commercial driver on the road can understand and respond to important safety information. The goal is to reduce accidents and make roads safer for everyone.

What Should Drivers and Carriers Do?

As a driver, practice the following: 

• Make sure you’re confident in your English reading and speaking skills.

• If you’re struggling, look into free or low-cost training to improve.

As a carrier, remember the following: 

• Double-check that your drivers meet the English requirement before and during employment.

• Offer support and resources to help drivers get up to speed if needed.

This isn’t just about following a rule. It’s about avoiding shutdowns and keeping everyone safe.

What’s Next?

This executive order is part of a bigger effort to improve safety in the trucking industry. The effects of this rule — and how it’s enforced — will be closely watched over the coming months.

In the meantime, it’s smart to get ahead of the game and make sure everyone in your operation is ready and compliant.

Check out the Beyond the Road podcast for an inside look at the trucking industry. It features trucking professionals, compelling stories, and the latest trends on the road.