President Trump signs executive order reinstating English proficiency requirement for truck drivers, reversing Obama-era policy amid safety concerns over fatal crashes.
Key Insights
- Trump’s executive order mandates English proficiency for commercial truck drivers, reversing a 2016 Obama administration policy that eased enforcement.
- The Department of Transportation will implement English literacy testing for all commercial motor vehicle operators, with those failing to meet standards being placed out of service.
- The policy reinstates a 1937 requirement that commercial drivers read and speak English sufficiently to interact with the public and understand traffic signs.
- Industry groups including the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association support the measure, citing critical safety benefits.
- Some lawmakers have linked the Obama-era relaxed enforcement to a 30% increase in fatal truck crashes since implementation.
Trump Reinstates English Requirements for Truckers
In a significant move addressing transportation safety standards, President Donald Trump has signed an executive order reinstating strict English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers across America. The order, signed Monday evening in the Oval Office, directs the Department of Transportation to begin testing commercial motor vehicle operators for English literacy and strengthens inspection procedures for verifying drivers’ language skills. This action explicitly overturns a 2016 Obama administration memorandum that had relaxed enforcement of these language requirements for commercial drivers operating on American roadways.
The executive order builds upon Trump’s earlier move establishing English as the official language of the United States. Under the reinstated policy, commercial truck drivers who cannot demonstrate adequate English proficiency will be prohibited from operating their vehicles until they can meet the standard. The requirement traces back to regulations from 1937 that mandated commercial vehicle operators be able to read and speak English sufficiently for public interaction and understanding traffic signs – abilities the Trump administration considers fundamental to roadway safety.
Safety Concerns Drive Policy Change
Advocates for the policy reinstatement point to concerning trends in trucking safety statistics since the Obama-era policy change. According to reports cited by the administration, fatal crashes involving large trucks have increased by approximately 30% since enforcement of English proficiency requirements was relaxed. Republican Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, who formally requested the rescindment of the 2016 memorandum, has drawn a direct connection between these statistics and the previous administration’s policy.
“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
The Trump administration has emphasized that English proficiency is essential for safety on America’s highways, enabling drivers to properly read road signs, understand emergency instructions, and communicate effectively with law enforcement and safety officials. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy has announced plans for a “big announcement” with President Trump focusing on enhancing roadway safety and prioritizing American truckers, suggesting this order may be part of a broader transportation safety initiative.
Industry Support and Legislative Efforts
The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing approximately 150,000 truckers, has voiced strong support for Trump’s decision. The organization had previously petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to reinstate English proficiency as an out-of-service violation, highlighting the practical safety implications of language barriers in commercial transportation. State-level initiatives are also emerging, including a bill in the Oklahoma 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.” – Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association Todd Peters
Some advocacy groups, including the Small Business in Transportation Coalition, are calling on Congress to permanently codify these requirements through legislation. One such proposal, called “Connor’s Law,” is named after Connor Dzion, who was reportedly killed in an accident involving a truck driver unable to understand English. The proposed law would establish permanent English language proficiency standards for commercial motor vehicle operators, moving beyond executive action to create lasting regulatory requirements in the transportation industry.
Sources:
- Trump Reversing Obama-Era Rule with Order Requiring Truckers Speak English
- No English, No Engine: Trump Signs Language Requirement For Truckers
