Transportation Secretary’s Warning on English Proficiency for CDL Holders
Former NYPD inspector Paul Mauro expressed on Wednesday that Transportation Secretary Shawn Duffy has a strong legal basis for potentially withholding funds from states that do not ensure that those seeking commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) can speak English.
Duffy issued a warning on Tuesday that federal funds could be withheld from California, Washington, and New Mexico within 30 days if they fail to adopt and enforce English proficiency requirements for commercial vehicle drivers. Mauro discussed this on Fox News’ “American Newsroom,” stating that funding from the motor carrier safety assistance program mandates that CDL holders must be English proficient.
Mauro explained, “We have a very solid foundation here. The federal law under the motor carrier safety assistance program explicitly states this.” He pointed out that Congress controls the funds, emphasizing that the law requires candidates for a CDL to speak English, given their operation on interstate highways.
“If they’re non-compliant with English requirements, we can withhold federal money,” he added. “States need to adhere if they wish to continue receiving this funding.”
Duffy’s warning comes amid a federal investigation into a fatal accident in Florida on August 12, attributed to undocumented truck drivers who reportedly failed to understand basic English and road signs. One individual, Harjinder Singh, is accused of making an illegal U-turn and causing three fatalities.
Reports indicated that Singh made this maneuver through an access point meant for official use only in St. Lucie County, obstructing all traffic with his truck. A criminal warrant for vehicular homicide has been issued against him.
Authorities discovered that Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 and later acquired a CDL in California. During his English proficiency assessment, he only answered two out of twelve questions correctly and recognized just one out of four traffic signs.
In April, President Trump issued an executive order aimed at enhancing English standards for truck drivers, which Duffy later reinforced in new guidance released in May.
