ELP Enforcement: CVSA Calls FMCSA For Full Guidance

Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance Seeks Full Release of English Language (ELP) Proficiency Enforcement Guidance

CVSA Sends Letter to FMCSA 

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) wants the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to release its full ELP enforcement guidance. CVSA says the public should see the complete document to support making the rules clear and fair for everyone.

CVSA Asks FMCSA to Share the Full ELP Guidance

On November 6, 2025, CVSA sent a letter to FMCSA asking for the full version of the ELP guidance. The version shared earlier this year had parts hidden or removed. CVSA says those missing parts make it harder for drivers, inspectors, and carriers to know how the rule is enforced.

The group believes that if FMCSA releases the full document, it will help everyone understand the rule better. It would also make it easier for carriers to train drivers and follow the rules more easily.

What the ELP Rule Means

The ELP rule is part of federal law for commercial drivers. It says that every driver must be able to speak and understand English well enough to:

• Talk with people in English
• Read and understand road signs
• Answer questions from law enforcement
• Fill out official reports and logs

This rule is meant to make sure that drivers can communicate clearly on the road and avoid misunderstandings that could cause safety problems.

How Enforcement Works

FMCSA released the English language guidance in May 2025. It explains how inspectors should check if a driver meets the English rule. The process has two main parts:

1. A short English conversation. The inspector speaks with the driver in English to see if they can understand and respond.
2. A road sign test. If needed, the inspector may ask the driver to read and explain English traffic signs.

The policy says drivers cannot use translation apps or interpreters during the check because that would hide their real level of English understanding.

CVSA Says Full Guidance Benefits Everyone

CVSA believes that showing the full document will benefit both drivers and inspectors. When everyone knows what to expect, it makes enforcement fair and consistent.

Without complete guidance, some inspectors may use different methods to test drivers. Carriers might also be unsure of what they need to check before hiring a driver. Making the guidance public would solve many of these problems.

ELP Now Part of Out-of-Service Criteria

In June 2025, English Proficiency non-compliance became part of the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. This means that if a driver fails the English test, they can be placed out of service until they meet the rule.

CVSA says this is another reason FMCSA should share the full memo. It would make sure that everyone applies the same standards during inspections.

Why ELP Matters to Drivers and Carriers

The proficiency rule affects all commercial truck drivers who work across state lines. Drivers need to understand English to talk with officials, follow road signs, and complete paperwork correctly.

For motor carriers, checking English skills before hiring drivers improves the ability to avoid problems later. If a driver cannot meet the rule, it could lead to violations or lost time on the job.

Clear guidance benefits companies by staying compliant and guides drivers to know exactly what is expected of them.

What Happens Next

FMCSA is reviewing CVSA’s request. The agency may decide to release the full guidance in the future.

Until then, drivers and carriers should stay informed about ELP rules and prepare for possible changes. Having a clear understanding of the rule will benefit everyone to stay safe and compliant on the road.