In a significant regulatory shift, President Donald Trump’s executive order, titled “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers,” has redefined how English language proficiency CDL requirements are enforced across the trucking industry. The order targets an often-overlooked but long-standing regulation—§391.11(b)(2)—requiring that commercial drivers:
“Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.”
While this rule has existed for decades, its enforcement status has fluctuated. In 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued guidance instructing the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) to stop treating violations of this rule as out-of-service (OOS) offenses. That’s now changing.
Language Proficiency Now Triggers Out-of-Service Status
As mandated by the executive order, CVSA has reinstated English language proficiency CDL enforcement as a criterion for placing commercial drivers out of service. This change will officially take effect on June 25 and aims to ensure that every CDL holder operating in the U.S. possesses the minimum language skills required to function safely and legally.
This adjustment reinforces the critical role language proficiency plays in:
- Ensuring road safety through effective communication
- Enabling accurate completion of logbooks, inspection reports, and other required documentation
- Supporting lawful interactions with enforcement and the public
CVSA Petitions for Regulatory Consistency
To further support this initiative, CVSA has announced it will petition FMCSA to formally update 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2) to classify non-compliance as an out-of-service condition. The petition also urges FMCSA to harmonize the English language requirements in:
- 49 CFR Part 383 (Commercial Driver’s License Standards)
- 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualifications and LCV Driver Instructors)
Aligning these sections will streamline enforcement procedures and reduce ambiguity for carriers, inspectors, and drivers alike.
Increased Scrutiny on Non-Domiciled CDLs
Another key aspect of the executive order is increased oversight of non-domiciled CDL issuance. FMCSA has been tasked with:
- Identifying unusual issuance patterns or anomalies related to non-domiciled CDLs
- Evaluating and improving the effectiveness of verification protocols for domestic and international driving credentials
These CDLs are typically issued to individuals domiciled in another state or in a foreign country—excluding Canada and Mexico, as FMCSA already recognizes licenses from those nations as compliant.
This effort reflects growing concerns about credential authenticity and the need for a more secure and standardized issuance process across jurisdictions.
What This Means for Fleet Operators
For safety managers and compliance officers, this change is more than just a procedural update—it’s a compliance risk that needs immediate attention.
Fleet Implications
- Drivers can now be placed out of service if they fail to demonstrate English proficiency during roadside inspections.
- Failure to comply could result in costly delays, citations, or operational disruptions.
- Carriers must reassess hiring practices, pre-employment screenings, and internal training protocols to ensure every driver on the road meets these updated standards.
How NTCI Can Help
At National Transportation Consultants, we help motor carriers stay ahead of regulatory changes. Our team can provide:
- Policy audits to ensure your hiring practices align with the updated enforcement
- Mock DOT audits to uncover potential risks before enforcement catches them
- Training and onboarding strategies to improve documentation and driver communication
If you’re unsure how this change affects your fleet—or how to ensure your drivers comply—reach out to our expert team. We’re here to help you protect your operation, maintain compliance, and avoid unnecessary enforcement action.
The reinstatement of English language proficiency CDL standards as an enforceable out-of-service violation is more than a bureaucratic update—it’s a safety and compliance priority. Now is the time to review your policies and prepare your team for the June 25 effective date.
FAQs
Why is English language proficiency important for CDL holders?
Drivers must communicate with the public, understand signage, and complete reports—core safety and compliance functions.
When does the new enforcement take effect?
The CVSA will begin enforcing this as an out-of-service violation starting June 25.
Are Canadian and Mexican drivers affected?
No. FMCSA recognizes CDLs from Canada and Mexico as compliant.
What is a non-domiciled CDL?
It’s a CDL issued to someone who resides in another state or a foreign country. These are under additional scrutiny by FMCSA.
Recent Comments