Overview
- DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement troopers and inspectors will conduct English proficiency reviews during roadside inspections for both interstate and intrastate drivers.
- The order bars DPS from issuing new intrastate commercial licenses to applicants who cannot communicate sufficiently in English with department personnel.
- The change eliminates a longstanding intrastate exemption and brings Texas practice in line with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance guidance.
- Since June 25, Texas authorities have taken enforcement action against about 445 drivers for English violations, including roughly 28 with Texas licenses and about 336–340 licensed in Mexico.
- Abbott’s office says the focus is highway safety, ensuring commercial drivers can understand traffic laws, road signs, and safety directions.