FMCSA Cracks Down: New Rules Will Sideline Drivers Who Fail English Proficiency Standards

On May 20, 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy signed a groundbreaking order that will dramatically impact the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is officially enforcing English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements—drivers who cannot communicate effectively in English will now be placed out-of-service (OOS) starting June 25, 2025.

This aggressive policy shift reverses a 2016 Obama-era stance and directly supports a new executive order from President Trump aimed at improving highway safety and regulatory enforcement. The change is immediate, direct, and non-negotiable: if a commercial driver can’t demonstrate English proficiency, they can’t drive.

What the New FMCSA ELP Guidance Says

Under the revised enforcement policy, roadside inspectors and law enforcement officers are authorized to place drivers out-of-service if they cannot meet FMCSA’s established English standards. These standards require that CMV drivers be able to:

• Read and understand traffic signs and signals written in English

• Respond to official inquiries from law enforcement officers

• Communicate effectively with the general public and emergency responders

The new guidance ensures uniform enforcement nationwide, closing loopholes and pushing for strict compliance across all states. The policy goes into effect on June 25, 2025.

Why This Is a Big Deal

The FMCSA’s English proficiency rule has technically existed for years under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2), but enforcement has been lax. That’s changing.

This update places ELP violations on the same level as hours-of-service, drug testing, and vehicle maintenance infractions—serious enough to pull a driver off the road immediately.

For carriers operating with a multilingual workforce or international driver base, this will require urgent compliance reviews, training initiatives, and possible restructuring of hiring practices.

What Fleet Managers Need to Know

Fleet owners and safety managers must now ensure that all drivers on the payroll can:

• Speak and understand conversational English

• Understand written DOT forms and roadside inspection documents

• Answer basic questions about their routes, loads, and logbooks

If a driver is found deficient during a DOT inspection or compliance review, the consequences are severe:

• Immediate out-of-service order

• Potential fines

• Impact on CSA scores

• Increased audit risk

This could severely disrupt operations if not addressed quickly.

Compliance Tips for Trucking Fleets

To prepare for the June 25 enforcement date, companies should:

1. Audit current driver communication skills

2. Provide English language training or ESL support programs

3. Conduct mock inspections with ELP questions

4. Update internal compliance documentation

5. Ensure dispatchers and safety officers know how to respond to ELP enforcement situations

Industry Response: Divisive but Predictable

Unsurprisingly, this policy has sparked mixed reactions across the trucking world.

Supporters say the move prioritizes public safety and ensures that drivers can respond appropriately in emergencies. Critics argue it could lead to discriminatory enforcement, particularly against immigrant drivers or those for whom English is a second language.

Industry groups such as the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have yet to release formal statements, but legal challenges may be on the horizon.

Looking Ahead

With a hard deadline looming, enforcement is inevitable. Fleets who fail to prepare risk crippling driver shortages, operational disruptions, and compliance violations.

The FMCSA has made it clear: if your drivers can’t speak English, they can’t be on the road.

Final Thoughts: Adapt or Be Parked

This is a defining moment for commercial fleets in the U.S. The FMCSA’s new English proficiency enforcement isn’t just another regulation—it’s a compliance cliff. Ignoring it isn’t an option.

Now is the time to act:

• Audit your drivers.

• Train where needed.

• Update your compliance policies.

Need Help Navigating the New FMCSA Rules?

DOT Consulting Solutions is here to help.
📞 Call us today at 910-939-0132 to schedule a mock audit or policy review.