Connor's Law: An Official Way to Codify English Language Requirements

Connor’s Law Would Reinstate English Requirement for CDL Drivers

Connor’s Law Targets Language Standards to Improve Road Safety

A new bill introduced in Congress, called Connor’s Law, seeks to require all commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to show basic English proficiency. Drivers who cannot meet this requirement could be placed out of service under the proposed legislation.

The Story Behind Connor’s Law

Connor’s Law is named in memory of 18-year-old Connor Dzion, who was killed in a 2017 crash on I-95 in northern Florida. The crash involved a distracted truck driver who could not speak English or read warning signs about stopped traffic ahead. Lawmakers say the crash could have been prevented with stricter English language rules for commercial drivers.

The bill was introduced by Congressman Dave Taylor (R-OH) and co-sponsored by Rep. Harriet Hageman (R-WY), along with several other Republican lawmakers.

Key Provisions

If passed, Connor’s Law would change Title 49 of the U.S. Code to ensure CDL drivers can:

• Talk with the general public in English
• Read and understand road signs and traffic signals written in English
• Answer questions from law enforcement and officials
• Fill out written records and reports

The law would also bring back the ability to place non-compliant drivers out of service. This would reverse a 2016 guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that removed English proficiency as a reason to sideline drivers.

Lawmakers Back Connor’s Law to Prevent Future Tragedies

Rep. Taylor said, “It’s Ohio common sense that if you want to drive trucks on our Nation’s roads, you should be able to read the road signs.” He believes stronger rules like those in Connor’s Law will help prevent tragedies like Connor’s death.

Rep. Hageman added that CDL drivers often drive in tough weather and road conditions. She said that being unable to read signs or communicate clearly increases danger for everyone.

Other co-sponsors of Connor’s Law include Reps. Mike Collins (R-GA), Paul Gosar (R-AZ), Beth Van Duyne (R-TX), and Brad Finstad (R-MN). Collins, who is a former truck driver, strongly supports the bill. He blames earlier rule changes for making roads more dangerous.

Industry Leaders Support

Major trucking groups have voiced strong support for Connor’s Law. The American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), and the Small Business in Transportation Coalition (SBTC) are all backing the bill.

“English proficiency is not optional—it’s crucial for keeping America’s roads safe for the entire traveling public,” said Todd Spencer, president of OOIDA. “Road signs are effective—but only when they’re understood.”

Henry Hanscom of the ATA said that while English skills have been required since the 1930s, enforcement has not been consistent. “We welcomed President Trump’s recent executive order that provides much-needed clarity, and we commend Reps. Taylor and Hageman’s effort to codify an objective, consistent, and effective standard,” he said.

Long-Standing Requirements Restored

The federal rules about English language skills for commercial drivers go back to the 1930s. Under section 391.11(b)(2) of the FMCSA regulations, CDL holders have always been expected to speak and read English. But in 2016, the FMCSA issued new guidance that removed English Language Proficiency (ELP) violations from the out-of-service criteria.

Connor’s Law would reinstate those enforcement tools. If passed, the FMCSA would be responsible for creating and enforcing a national standard to test and check English proficiency in commercial drivers.

Connor’s Law Could Affect the Driver Workforce

Some industry experts say Connor’s Law could lead to tighter enforcement and improved safety. However, others warn that a strict English-only policy could reduce the number of available drivers or raise concerns about fairness.

Supporters of the bill argue that the safety of the traveling public must come first. They say commercial truck drivers must be able to read warning signs, follow instructions, and communicate in emergencies.

Looking Ahead

Connor’s Law has been referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. Congressman Taylor is a member of the committee’s Highways and Transit Subcommittee, which will likely have a say in how the bill moves forward.

The bill’s chances remain uncertain, especially in a divided Congress. But it has already sparked a national conversation about safety, language barriers, and driver qualifications.