English Requirement for Truck Drivers Implemented by Trump Administration

On Tuesday, the Trump administration initiated steps to enforce a law mandating that truck drivers communicate in English. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy was in Austin, Texas, where he signed an order directing the Department of Transportation to implement this requirement.

Duffy emphasized that the decision is rooted in concerns over road safety in America. He stated, “For too long, misguided policies have prioritized political correctness over American security.”

According to federal guidelines, drivers need to “read and speak English thoroughly to engage with the public, comprehend highway traffic signs and signals in English, respond to official inquiries, and complete reports.” This move follows an executive order signed by President Trump on April 28, instructing the Department of Transportation to include an English proficiency test for truck drivers.

Duffy elaborated on the communication challenges faced by truck drivers when interacting with federal and local officials, which he noted poses public safety risks. “We ensure that truck drivers, the backbone of our economy, can all speak English. That’s a very common sense policy,” he added.

Before 2015, there were over 99,000 instances of English proficiency violations among drivers, leading to the cessation of work for about 1,000 individuals. Duffy mentioned that many received what he referred to as a “slap on the wrist.” He further commented, “English is the language of opportunity in America,” stressing that drivers who cannot understand stop signs or comply with officers’ instructions while operating large vehicles pose a risk to public safety.

As the administration continues, any truck drivers found unable to communicate in English will be removed from service.