President Trump has signed an executive order mandating English proficiency for commercial truck drivers, reversing an Obama-era policy and potentially transforming the trucking industry’s labor force.
Quick Takes
- Trump’s executive order requires commercial truck drivers to demonstrate English proficiency, with violators to be placed out of service
- The order reverses a 2016 Obama administration memorandum that had eased enforcement of English language requirements
- Trucking industry representatives cite safety concerns, linking the Obama-era policy to a 30% increase in fatal truck crashes
- The policy reinforces Trump’s earlier designation of English as the official language of the United States
- DOT will implement English literacy testing for all commercial motor vehicle operators
Reinstating Safety Standards for American Highways
President Donald Trump signed an executive order Monday requiring commercial truck drivers to demonstrate English proficiency, a move the administration frames as essential for highway safety. The order directs the Department of Transportation to strengthen inspection procedures and begin English literacy testing for all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. This reinstates a policy dating back to 1937 requiring CMV operators to read and speak English sufficiently for public interaction and understanding traffic signs. Drivers failing to meet these standards will be prohibited from operating commercial vehicles until they can demonstrate adequate language skills.
The executive order specifically reverses a 2016 memorandum from the Obama administration that had relaxed enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial drivers. According to supporters of Trump’s action, this Obama-era policy change coincided with a significant increase in highway accidents. Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, who requested the rescindment of the 2016 memo, has drawn connections between the policy change and road safety statistics. The order builds upon Trump’s earlier move designating English as the official language of the United States.
Industry Support and Safety Concerns
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing 150,000 truckers, has expressed strong support for the reinstated requirements. The organization had previously petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to restore English proficiency as an out-of-service violation, viewing the requirement as a fundamental safety measure. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans for a “big announcement” with Trump focused on roadway safety and prioritizing American truckers, signaling that this order may be part of a broader transportation safety initiative.
“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.” – Republican Representative Harriet Hageman
Industry representatives point to concerning safety statistics since the Obama administration eased English language requirements. Reports indicate a 30% increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks following the 2016 policy change. The Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) has joined OOIDA in supporting the reinstatement, while also calling for Congress to pass permanent legislation codifying these requirements. One such proposed measure is “Connor’s Law,” named after Connor Dzion, who was killed in an accident involving a truck driver allegedly unable to understand English.
Practical Safety Implications
The Trump administration and trucking industry advocates emphasize that English proficiency directly impacts highway safety by ensuring drivers can comprehend road signs, communicate during emergencies, and interact with law enforcement and officials at agricultural checkpoints, border patrol stations, and weight-limit stations. Oklahoma has also moved to address this issue at the state level, with legislation in the state House of Representatives seeking to require English proficiency for commercial vehicle operators within state boundaries.
“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 SBTC has emphasized the need for Congress to pass legislation making the requirement permanent, suggesting concern that executive actions alone may be vulnerable to reversal by future administrations. By signing this order, Trump has directly addressed safety concerns raised by trucking industry representatives while also reinforcing his administration’s broader positions on language requirements and transportation safety. The implementation timeline and specific testing procedures for the English proficiency requirement will be developed by the Department of Transportation.
Sources:
- Trump Reversing Obama-Era Rule with Order Requiring Truckers Speak English
- No English, No Engine: Trump Signs Language Requirement For Truckers
