English Requirement Warning Now Could Cost States Funding

DOT Warns States to Enforce English Requirement or Lose Funds

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 26, 2025) – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has given California, Washington, and New Mexico 30 days to enforce the English requirement for commercial drivers. If they fail, the states risk losing up to 100% of their federal funding from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP).

English Requirement Under Review

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reviewed inspections in the three states between June 25 and August 21, 2025. The findings showed these states often failed to remove drivers from service when English requirement violations were found.

• California carried out nearly 34,000 inspections with violations. Yet only one resulted in a driver being taken out of service for not meeting the English standard. Inspectors often ignored violations from other states.
• Washington adopted the rule but rarely enforced it. Four inspections ended in out-of-service orders, but in two cases, drivers were still allowed to drive.
• New Mexico placed zero drivers out of service for English requirement violations. Inspectors also let at least seven flagged drivers continue operating.

Secretary Duffy said states cannot pick and choose which federal safety rules to follow. He warned that failing to enforce the English requirement puts lives at risk. He cited a fatal Florida crash involving a truck driver who did not speak English as a reminder of what can happen when rules are ignored.

Funding Penalties for Noncompliance

The Department of Transportation issued formal notices of nonconformity to the three states. This opens a process that could suspend millions in MCSAP funding if compliance is not restored. The states have 30 days to respond and show corrective actions.

Part of a Broader Safety Agenda

The push for stronger enforcement is part of a larger DOT safety plan. In May, Secretary Duffy signed an order to tighten oversight of the English requirement for truck drivers. In June, he launched pilot programs and new safety rules to improve conditions for drivers and reduce highway risks.

The DOT also expanded a nationwide audit of how states issue non-domiciled CDLs. The goal is to create uniform standards so that unqualified drivers cannot cross state lines to avoid stricter rules.

Why the English Requirement Matters for Truckers

The English requirement is designed to make the roads safer. It ensures drivers can read signs, understand law enforcement, and respond during emergencies. For truckers, consistent enforcement across all states means a fairer system and fewer risks caused by unqualified operators.