New Measures for Truck Driver English Proficiency
The Ministry of Transport is implementing new measures in response to an executive action from President Donald Trump. This action aims to enforce stricter English language proficiency regulations for commercial drivers.
Previously, during the Obama administration, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Bureau eliminated the requirement to take action against drivers lacking English proficiency.
Trump’s April directive called for the strict enforcement of safety regulations following a rise in fatalities involving semi-trucks.
On Tuesday, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced that federal funds would be pulled from states that do not conform to these English language requirements. He particularly cited California, Washington, and New Mexico for violations. Duffy warned that these states have 30 days to comply or face financial penalties concerning their motor carrier safety funding.
Duffy mentioned that California is set to receive $30 million, Washington $10 million, and New Mexico $7 million, depending on their adherence to regulations.
Interestingly, a spokesperson from the California Highway Patrol stated that they have no plans to enforce these new mandates currently. They clarified that since these requirements are not part of California law, changes in enforcement are not expected to occur.
Duffy interjected that such non-compliance endangers public safety, highlighting a tragic crash in Florida that resulted in the deaths of three individuals as an example of the risks posed by inadequate enforcement.
In response, a representative for California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the Trump administration, pointing to their approval of a federal work permit for the driver involved in the deadly crash, suggesting a hypocrisy on their part.
In defense, Homeland Security spokesperson Tricia McLaughlin pushed back against these claims, noting that the driver had previously been denied the legal permission to work under Trump but was eventually approved under Biden.
At this point, the offices of the governors of Washington and New Mexico have not yet responded to these developments.
