Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America's Truck Drivers
This Executive Order directs the Department of Transportation (DOT), through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), to more aggressively enforce the federal English‑language proficiency requirement for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and to tighten verification of commercial driver credentials. It rescinds a 2016 FMCSA guidance on English testing/enforcement and requires new guidance and inspection procedures so that failing the English requirement can trigger immediate out‑of‑service status. The order also directs DOT to review non‑domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) for irregularities, improve credential verification protocols, and identify additional actions to improve truck drivers’ working conditions. The stated purpose is safety: the Administration frames English proficiency as essential for drivers to read signs, communicate with safety and enforcement personnel, and follow directions. The order could lead to increased roadside inspections and stricter removal from service for drivers judged not to meet the English standard, greater scrutiny of how CDLs are issued and verified, and administrative actions intended to improve working conditions. It leaves implementation details to DOT/FMSCA and is subject to applicable law and available funding.
Key Points
- 1Rescind prior guidance and issue new guidance: FMCSA must, within 60 days, rescind the 2016 “English Language Proficiency Testing and Enforcement Policy” and issue new guidance outlining revised inspection procedures to enforce 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) (the federal rule requiring drivers to “read and speak the English language sufficiently…”).
- 2Out‑of‑service consequences: DOT/FMSCA is directed to revise out‑of‑service criteria so that a violation of the English proficiency requirement can result in a driver being placed out‑of‑service (i.e., removed from operating a commercial vehicle) and to work with entities that establish those criteria.
- 3CDL credential review: FMCSA must review non‑domiciled CDLs issued by state agencies for unusual patterns or irregularities and evaluate actions to improve protocols that verify the authenticity and validity of domestic and international commercial driving credentials.
- 4Support for truck drivers’ working conditions: Within 60 days, DOT must identify and begin carrying out additional administrative, regulatory, or enforcement actions intended to improve truck drivers’ working conditions (the order does not specify particular measures).
- 5Implementation limits: The order must be carried out consistent with law and available appropriations, does not itself create private legal rights, and preserves existing statutory authorities of agencies and the OMB’s functions.