English Proficiency Rule Now in Effect for all U.S. Truck Drivers

New English Proficiency Rule Now Grounds Drivers in the U.S.

CVSA Implements New Enforcement Rule on English Proficiency

A new rule is now being enforced for commercial truck drivers in the U.S. Starting June 25, 2025, drivers who do not meet the federal English proficiency requirement may be placed out of service during inspections.

The rule comes from Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) § 391.11(b)(2). This regulation requires that commercial drivers be able to read and speak English. Drivers must be able to talk with the public, read traffic signs, respond to officials, and fill out reports.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has updated its enforcement guidelines. These guidelines are known as the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. They help inspectors know when a driver should be taken off the road. The update now includes English proficiency. If a driver cannot meet the requirement, they may be declared out of service immediately.

English Language Proficiency Rule Tied to Executive Order

The change was prompted by an executive order signed in April 2025. The order is called Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers. In response, the CVSA Board of Directors voted on May 1 to add the English proficiency rule to the out-of-service criteria.

The board used an emergency rule to make the change quickly. Normally, a full vote by CVSA’s Class I Members would be required. But the emergency rule allowed the board to act alone to meet the 60-day deadline set by the executive order.

Updated Inspection Guidance

Even though the rule is now active, it will not appear in the printed CVSA handbook until April 1, 2026. However, inspectors are expected to enforce the rule immediately.

CVSA has updated the inspection process to reflect this change. A new note has been added to the “Greet and Prepare the Driver” step of the inspection. This note points to FMCSA’s Enforcement Guidance Memo MC-SEE-2025-0001. The memo explains how officers should check if a driver meets the English proficiency requirement.

Inspectors may ask drivers basic questions to test their ability to speak and understand English. They may also observe how well a driver follows instructions. FMCSA says these steps are meant to improve safety and ensure that drivers meet the required qualifications.

English Proficiency Rule Applies Only in the U.S.

This English proficiency rule applies only to drivers in the United States. CVSA also has members in Canada and Mexico, but the rule is not used there.

However, drivers from other countries must follow the rule if they drive in the U.S. That includes Canadian and Mexican drivers who cross the border into the United States. If they cannot meet the English proficiency rule, they could be placed out of service while in the U.S.

Background on English Proficiency Enforcement

The English proficiency rule is not new. It has been part of federal law for years. But in the past, it was not always enforced consistently. In May 2025, FMCSA released new guidance to help inspectors apply the rule more evenly across the country.

The rule has also received more attention following a proposed law known as “Connor’s Law.” That law is named after a boy who died in a crash. The crash involved a commercial driver who reportedly could not understand emergency instructions. Connor’s Law aims to put English proficiency standards more firmly into U.S. law.

Some believe that stricter enforcement may improve safety. They say clear communication on the road is important, especially during emergencies. Others worry that the rule could be enforced unfairly. There are concerns about how inspectors decide whether a driver speaks English well enough.

FMCSA Resources for English Proficiency Compliance

FMCSA has provided tools to help drivers and trucking companies prepare. Information is available on the FMCSA website about the new guidance and roadside inspection process.

The agency says the goal is to make sure every driver in the U.S. meets basic qualifications. FMCSA aims to reduce risks and improve safety through better communication. It remains to be seen how the new English proficiency enforcement efforts will affect drivers and motor carriers moving forward.