Overview

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy gave California, Washington and New Mexico 30 days to enforce the English-proficiency requirement for commercial drivers or risk losing MCSAP grants.
• DOT said California conducted about 34,000 inspections since June yet removed only one driver for an English violation, while Washington removed four and New Mexico removed none.
• The department warned that California could forfeit roughly $33 million, Washington $10.5 million and New Mexico $7 million if deficiencies persist.
• The rule requires drivers to read road signs and communicate with authorities in English, with noncompliant drivers subject to disqualification from service.
• The push followed an Aug. 12 crash in Florida that killed three people; driver Harjinder Singh is jailed without bond on vehicular homicide and immigration charges, a case that has also spurred disputes over his immigration and work-authorization status.