New DOT Rule Ties English Proficiency to the Out-of-Service Penalty

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy signs the English proficiency executive order. (Image courtesy of USDOT)

DOT Issues New Order to Enforce English Proficiency for Truck Drivers

On May 20, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy signed a new order in Austin, Texas. The order strengthens the enforcement of English proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers. The announcement was made at a trucking event attended by industry groups.

Under the new policy, drivers who do not meet English proficiency standards will be placed out-of-service. The order follows an Executive Order signed by President Donald Trump in April. That order directed agencies to improve highway safety by enforcing rules already on the books.

English Proficiency Enforcement Reinstated After Policy Reversal

Federal rules already require commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to understand English. Drivers must be able to read road signs, speak with law enforcement, and respond to directions. But in 2016, a policy change under the Obama administration stopped inspectors from removing drivers for English violations.

According to Duffy, this led to a drop in enforcement. In 2015, about 99,000 English violations were recorded. Around 1,000 drivers were placed out-of-service. By 2024, that number dropped to just 10,000 violations. None of those drivers were removed from service.

“That’s not going to happen anymore,” Duffy said. “Allowing drivers who cannot read stop signs or understand police instructions to operate an 80,000-pound big rig threatens the safety of every American on our roadways.”

Out-of-Service Penalties Will Resume for English Proficiency Violations

Starting June 25, 2025, drivers who fail to meet English proficiency standards will again be subject to out-of-service orders. The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has agreed to apply this change across all jurisdictions. That will make the rule consistent nationwide.

USDOT officials say the new guidance ensures that English proficiency is treated as a core safety requirement. Drivers must prove they can understand traffic signs and communicate at weigh stations, checkpoints, and during emergencies.

Trucking Industry Supports Stricter Enforcement

Many in the industry back the change. Representatives from the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and the Texas Trucking Association attended the event in Austin.

OOIDA President Todd Spencer said the update will improve safety for drivers and the public.

“This is a good day for truckers. It’s a good day for families. And it’s a good day for common sense,” Spencer said. “Truckers must be able to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and respond in emergencies. When that doesn’t happen, people get hurt—or worse.”

Spencer added that ignoring the rule didn’t make violations disappear. “The result? Safety violations didn’t go away—they just stopped being tracked.”

USDOT Eyes Broader Safety Actions

Secretary Duffy also outlined other actions the Department is taking. These efforts follow the President’s Executive Order. They include:

• Reviewing how states issue non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs)
• Investigating the security of CDL issuance procedures
• Improving working conditions for U.S.-based truckers, such as addressing truck parking shortages

The DOT says that English proficiency is not just a formality. It is a key requirement to keep roads safe. Drivers must understand signs and instructions to avoid confusion and prevent accidents.

DOT Moves Forward with Safety Rules

By restoring the out-of-service penalty, USDOT is re-emphasizing safety. The agency says this rule gives inspectors a clear standard to follow. Carriers will be expected to ensure drivers meet English proficiency requirements or risk enforcement action.

The new guidance goes into effect nationwide on June 25. DOT officials say this is part of a larger plan to support U.S. truckers, improve safety, and uphold clear driving standards across the country.

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