Overview

• The directive, signed on May 20, 2025, enforces a federal law requiring truck drivers to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency for safety and communication purposes.
• This reverses a 2016 Obama-era policy that reduced penalties for non-compliance, which previously allowed drivers to remain on the road despite violations.
• Drivers found non-compliant during roadside inspections will now be placed out of service, with the Department of Transportation reviewing licensing and credential verification procedures.
• The American Trucking Association supports the enforcement, citing improved safety and uniform application of regulations, while immigrant advocacy groups warn of potential discrimination and workforce impacts.
• The policy aligns with President Trump's April 28 executive order and marks a significant shift in federal transportation safety enforcement practices.