Transport Secretary Sean Duffy issued an order on Tuesday mandating that commercial truck drivers must be proficient in English.
According to the new directives, drivers who fail to meet the English proficiency standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will have their services suspended.
“Safety is the top priority in America. It’s crucial for truck drivers to be able to understand and interpret traffic signs to ensure everyone’s safety on the road. This practical adjustment means the consequences for non-compliance are more serious than just a slap on the wrist,” Duffy stated in a release.
This order reflects President Trump’s executive order from April, which established the policy. It rolls back provisions from former President Obama, who had barred enforcement officials from dismissing drivers who lacked English language skills.
Raman Dhillon, CEO of the Punjab Truck Transport Association in North America, expressed concerns, saying, “I believe these regulations are vital for the trucking sector. However, I wonder if they might be misused as tools for retaliation or discrimination against people of color.”
The Trump administration has claimed that these new rules will enable drivers to understand traffic signs, communicate in English with traffic safety officers, border control agents, agricultural checkpoint staff, and those regulating cargo weights.
