The Road to Regulation: How English Proficiency Became a Critical Requirement for Truck Drivers

The debate over English proficiency for commercial truck drivers is not new. While it has recently resurfaced through updated federal enforcement and proposed legislation like Connor’s Law, the roots of this requirement go back decades.

Understanding the history and rationale behind these rules can help drivers and employers stay informed—and compliant—in today’s stricter regulatory environment.

Where Did the Rule Come From?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) have long included a clause requiring that truck drivers be able to read and speak the English language.

According to 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2):

“A person is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle if he or she can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.”

This rule was developed to ensure public safety and effective communication on highways, especially during inspections, emergencies, or interactions with law enforcement.

What Changed Under Previous Administrations?

Although the English proficiency rule remained part of federal law, enforcement was weakened during the Obama administration.

In 2016, policy guidance from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) directed inspectors not to place drivers out-of-service solely based on ELP violations. This effectively neutralized the rule’s consequences and led to inconsistencies in its application across states.

Critics argued that this undermined highway safety and made it harder to hold all drivers to a consistent national standard.

Why the Rule is Back in Focus Now

Under President Trump’s administration and Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy, the focus has returned to stricter enforcement of ELP requirements.

In April 2025, the President signed an Executive Order aimed at reinforcing driver qualification standards, particularly English proficiency. The USDOT’s new order restores the authority of inspectors to place non-compliant drivers out-of-service starting June 25, 2025.

This policy shift is supported by safety advocacy groups and lawmakers who argue that drivers must be able to read and respond to critical information—like road signs, warnings, and detour notices—to prevent accidents.

Lessons from the Past: The Case of Connor Dzion

The tragic death of Connor Dzion, an 18-year-old killed in 2017 by a distracted trucker who couldn’t understand road signs, became a rallying point for reform. It led to the introduction of Connor’s Law, a bill that seeks to codify the ELP rule into federal law.

The case highlights how a seemingly small issue—language proficiency—can have devastating consequences when ignored.

What This Means for Truckers

• Enforcement is now real: Starting June 25, 2025, failing an English proficiency check could mean immediate removal from the road.
• Future legislation may lock in the requirement permanently, regardless of who’s in office.
• Drivers and employers must take this seriously—training and evaluation are more important than ever.

Understanding the background of this rule helps explain why the government is emphasizing it now. It’s not about targeting individuals—it’s about protecting lives.