WEIGH Act Is the New Bill to Enforce CDL and English Checks
The WEIGH Act is a proposed bill requiring weigh stations to check CDLs and English proficiency, aiming to improve highway safety nationwide.
dayileyvasSeptember 10, 20251 Mins read1k
WEIGH Act Introduced to Strengthen Enforcement at Weigh Stations
The WEIGH Act (H.R. 5177) is a new bill introduced by Florida Rep. Byron Donalds. It would require all weigh stations on interstate highways to check truck drivers’ commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) and English proficiency. The plan follows an April 28 Executive Order, “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers,” signed by President Trump.
WEIGH Act Adds New Section to Federal Code
The bill would add Section 31152 to Title 49 of the U.S. Code. It directs the Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure states apply the Executive Order when carrying out weigh station checks. States that fail to comply could lose CDL program authority and some federal highway funds.
WEIGH Act Linked to Deadly Crash and Safety Concerns
Support for the Bill grew after a crash involving truck driver Harjinder Singh. Singh made an illegal U-turn, leading to three deaths. Investigators found that he failed both an English proficiency test and a road sign test.
The DOT criticized states like California, Washington, and New Mexico for weak enforcement. Officials even threatened to withhold funding from these states.
Bill Aims to Improve Oversight Nationwide
Rep. Donalds said that better oversight is needed to protect drivers. Florida has already started English checks at agricultural and drug inspection points. The Weigh Station enforcement would expand this approach, requiring all interstate weigh stations to verify CDL status and English skills.
WEIGH Act Could Change Inspections for All Truckers
If passed, the Bill would give federal and state officers authority to conduct language and license checks at weigh stations. This change is meant to improve highway safety and increase accountability for states and carriers.
What’s Next for the WEIGH Act
The WEIGH Act is still in its early stages. If approved, it would add a new layer of checks at weigh stations across the country. Lawmakers and safety advocates say it could make roads safer by catching unqualified drivers before they become a danger on U.S. highways.
