Overview

• Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed a directive on May 20, 2025, mandating that truck drivers who fail to meet federal English proficiency standards be taken out of service.
• The directive implements President Trump's April 28 executive order, which reversed a 2016 Obama administration policy that downgraded penalties for non-compliance to citations.
• Federal law requires truck drivers to read and speak English to understand traffic signs, communicate with officials, and complete required documentation.
• The Department of Transportation is also reviewing commercial driver’s license security and verification procedures for domestic and international drivers.
• Immigrant advocacy groups, including the Sikh Coalition, warn of potential discriminatory enforcement and workforce disruptions, while industry groups like the American Trucking Association support the change for improving safety.