President Trump reinstates English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers, reversing an Obama-era policy that had relaxed enforcement of these safety standards.

At a Glance

• Trump signed an executive order mandating English proficiency for all commercial truck drivers, reinstating a policy from 1937
• The order reverses a 2016 Obama administration memorandum that had eased enforcement of English language requirements
• Drivers who fail to meet English proficiency standards will be placed out of service until they demonstrate adequate skills
• The move comes amid reports of a 30% increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks since the Obama-era policy change
• Transportation industry groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association support the reinstatement, citing safety benefits

Executive Order Restores Safety Standards

President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Monday that reinstates strict English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers across the United States. The order directs the Department of Transportation to begin English literacy testing for all commercial motor vehicle operators and strengthens inspection procedures for verifying drivers’ language skills. This action builds upon Trump’s earlier move to designate English as the official language of the United States and effectively overturns a 2016 Obama administration memorandum that had relaxed enforcement of these language requirements for commercial drivers.

The executive order reinstates regulations dating back to 1937 that require commercial vehicle operators to read and speak English sufficiently for public interaction and understanding traffic signs. Under the reinstated rules, drivers who cannot demonstrate adequate English skills will be prohibited from operating commercial vehicles until they meet the standard. This shift represents a return to stricter safety enforcement after what the administration describes as a period of lax standards that may have contributed to increased roadway dangers.

US TRUCKING INDUSTRY — TRUMP'S EXECUTIVE ORDER:

The Sikh Coalition is deeply concerned about an executive order, signed by President Trump this afternoon, that seeks to “ensure all commercial vehicle operators in the United States are proficient English speakers.” We…

— rattanjournalist (@RattanNews) April 28, 2025

Rising Accident Rates Drive Policy Change

Data indicating a significant increase in truck-related fatalities since the Obama-era policy change has been cited as a major factor behind the reinstatement. Republican Representative Harriet Hageman of Wyoming, who requested the rescindment of the 2016 memorandum, pointed to concerning safety trends that emerged after enforcement was relaxed. Reports indicate a 30% increase in fatal crashes involving large trucks since the Obama administration’s policy change, raising serious questions about the relationship between language barriers and road safety.

The administration’s focus on this issue aligns with broader efforts to enhance roadway safety while also addressing immigration-related concerns. The Trump White House views English proficiency as essential for safety on American roads, enabling drivers to read signs, follow directions, and communicate effectively with law enforcement and safety officials. DOT Secretary Sean Duffy has indicated that this is part of a larger initiative to “make our roadways safer and put American truckers first.”

Industry Support and Legislative Push

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), representing approximately 150,000 truckers, has expressed strong support for Trump’s decision. The organization had previously petitioned the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance to reinstate English proficiency as an out-of-service violation, highlighting the practical safety implications of language barriers in commercial transportation. Industry representatives emphasize that basic reading and communication skills are fundamental to safe operation on highways.

Beyond the executive order, there are efforts to codify these requirements into permanent law. The Small Business in Transportation Coalition has called for Congress to pass legislation such as the proposed Connor’s Law, named after Connor Dzion, who was killed by a truck driver allegedly unable to understand English. Meanwhile, state-level initiatives are also gaining momentum, with the Oklahoma House of Representatives advancing a bill to require English proficiency for commercial vehicle operators within the state.