Truck Safety: An Overview of Trump Executive Order on English Proficiency for Truckers
On April 29th, 2025, The Palm Beach Post reported that President Trump has issued an Executive Order that would require English language proficiency tests for many commercial truck drivers in the United States. It is called: President Donald J. Trump Enforces Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers. Here, our Miami truck accident attorney provides an overview of what is actually in the executive order, the requirements for truckers, and what could come next.
Background: Safety Questions Raised About Truck Drivers Who Lack English Proficiency
The Trump Executive Order is focused on some safety questions that have been raised regarding commercial truck drivers that lack English proficiency. Prior to this order, there were already some regulations in place requiring truckers to have English language skills. Most notably, federal regulation 49 C.F.R. §391.11(b)(2)—which took effect in 1937—requires that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers be able to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records. However, the regulation was relaxed by the Obama Administration in 2016. It enacted guidance stating that commercial truck drivers should not be placed out of service solely for lacking English proficiency.
An Overview of the Trump Administration Executive Order on Trucker English Proficiency
What does the executive order from the Trump Administration actually hold? There are a few key points for truckers, people in the trucking industry, and those with an interest in truck safety to be aware of:
- The Trump Administration Executive Order rescinds the 2016 guidance that softened enforcement of English proficiency requirements.
- The Trump Administration Executive Order calls for the issuing of new guidance within 60 days to ensure compliance with 49 C.F.R. §391.11(b)(2).
- The Trump Administration Executive Order revised out-of-service criteria so that drivers failing to meet English proficiency standards are placed out of service.
In support of the executive action by President Trump, Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy emphasized the agency’s view that drivers who are unable to sufficiently read or speak English are unqualified to operate commercial vehicles.
The Bottom Line: We do not actually know the full scope of the Trump Administration executive order for trucking and English proficiency yet. The Obama Administration 2016 guidance has been rescinded. As of May of 2025, the pre-2016 requirements—which are based on a 1937 federal regulation—are effective. However, the DOT will issue new guidance within 60 days. That guidance may or may not tighten the English language standards beyond the pre-2016 requirements.
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At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our Miami semi-truck accident lawyer is devoted to providing legal guidance and support to injured victims. If you have any questions about truck accident claims, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no obligation case review. Our firm handles semi-truck accident cases throughout Southeast Florida.
Source:
palmbeachpost.com/story/news/2025/04/29/trump-english-truck-drivers-florida-rules-impacts/83341067007/
