Overview

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy named the three states as under-enforcing the federal English proficiency standard for commercial drivers and tied compliance to continued Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program funding.
• DOT warned of potential losses of $33 million for California, $10.5 million for Washington and $7 million for New Mexico if the states do not demonstrate enforcement within 30 days.
• The push follows the Aug. 12 Florida Turnpike crash in which investigators said driver Harjinder Singh failed English and road-sign tests; he faces three vehicular homicide counts and immigration charges.
• California officials disputed the administration’s criticism and pointed to federal work-permit decisions, while a DHS official issued a conflicting timeline; New Mexico said its CDL rules comply, and Washington opened an investigation into Singh’s licensing.
• DOT officials said Singh currently held a California CDL after previously having one in Washington, and they noted a New Mexico traffic stop where his rig was not placed out of service.