$40M to Be withheld from California for Lack of ELP Enforcement

FMCSA Withholds $40 Million from California Over ELP Enforcement

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will withhold more than $40 million in funding from California. The agency said the state failed to follow federal ELP enforcement rules for commercial truck drivers.

California Found Out of Compliance with ELP Enforcement

According to DOT officials, California is the only state not enforcing English language standards that match federal law. FMCSA said California’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan does not include the steps needed to ensure proper ELP enforcement for truck drivers.

The funding decision affects $40,685,225 in Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) grants. These grants help states perform roadside inspections, complete safety audits, and support enforcement work. They also fund public education and safety programs.

FMCSA Explains How California Can Regain Funding

FMCSA said California can have its funding restored if it adopts and enforces laws that follow federal ELP enforcement standards. This would mean state inspectors must check drivers’ English language skills during roadside inspections. Drivers who cannot meet the requirement would be placed out of service until they can.

Federal law under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2) says a person is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle only if they can “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.”

Since California has not added a rule to match this federal requirement, FMCSA withdrew approval of the state’s FY2024 and FY2025 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan. This decision took effect October 15, 2025. Any costs after that date will not be reimbursed through MCSAP funds.

Background on California’s Review

In August 2025, DOT warned that California could lose federal funding if it did not meet ELP enforcement standards. The agency began its review after the California Highway Patrol said it did not plan to enforce the English language rule.

DOT said the investigation is part of a wider national effort to improve safety on the roads. The agency is also auditing how states issue commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to non-domiciled drivers. Officials said the goal is to make sure all states apply the same safety and licensing rules.

Broader Impact of ELP Enforcement on Trucking Safety

The decision to withhold funding is one of the strongest actions FMCSA has taken against a state in recent years. The agency said stronger enforcement will help create consistency in commercial driver safety standards nationwide.

FMCSA hopes that better enforcement will make it easier for drivers and law enforcement to communicate. The agency believes this could reduce risks, improve safety compliance, and help prevent accidents on U.S. highways.