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In an industry where communication can mean the difference between a safe delivery and a catastrophic accident, English proficiency among commercial drivers is once again in the spotlight. A recent executive order is expected to reintroduce enforcement of long-standing English language requirements for truck drivers—a move many in the trucking world believe is overdue.

“Drivers should be able to communicate, and the rationale behind that is pretty obvious,” says OOIDA President Todd Spencer. “It’s important to be able to read road signs and follow directions.”

At its core, the ability for drivers to understand and use basic English isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s about safety. Commercial drivers must be able to read road signs, follow directions, understand weather warnings, and communicate with law enforcement, inspectors, and other drivers. In emergency situations, or even during routine inspections, a lack of shared language can delay critical decisions and put everyone on the road at risk.

In 2014, the inability to communicate in English was the second most cited reason for taking a driver out of service, trailing only behind logbook violations. That year alone, over 101,000 such violations were reported. But that changed when the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) decided that inspectors would no longer place drivers out of service solely for lacking English proficiency, even though the regulation remained on the books.

Why was enforcement dropped if the regulation itself never changed? Some believe the motivation likely stemmed from practicality rather than policy. When a driver is placed out of service, the inspector may effectively become responsible for the truck and its load until another qualified driver arrives, if one can even be found. For many inspectors, that level of involvement was a hassle they preferred to avoid. In some cases, if the inspector couldn’t communicate effectively with the driver, they simply let the truck continue on its way rather than being forced into a logistical bind.

Does English language enforcement make our roads safer? Gain valuable insights on this topic in the latest episode of the Stay In Your Lane Podcast.

“In many instances, it was just a hassle for them,” Spencer explains. “Suddenly you become the babysitter, and they didn’t want that issue.”

But that decision to look the other way on these policies has consequences. It places potential hazards back onto public roads and undermines the purpose of the regulation in the first place: ensuring highway safety.

Once the enforcement of the English language rule was deprioritized, the data collection around it dried up. Without data, the urgency to address the problem also faded. Though a study was commissioned and expected to produce a final report in 2018, no such report was ever released. The issue remained largely untouched—until now.

The recent executive order re-emphasizing English language enforcement aims to reverse that trend. While it may take up to 60 days to clarify how enforcement will roll out, many industry leaders believe the move is necessary. Trucking is not like other industries where English proficiency may not be critical. On the open road, the stakes are too high.

Importantly, this is not about requiring advanced fluency. Drivers simply need to be proficient enough to comply with regulations and handle basic communications. This level of understanding can and should be taught and verified during the licensing and training process.

Historically, there were no mandatory training requirements for entry-level truck drivers, which is a gap that organizations like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have fought to close. For decades, the industry has allowed carriers to put minimally trained drivers behind the wheel of massive vehicles. Without language skills or proper training, these drivers are more likely to encounter trouble on the road.

The recent changes should serve as a call to action. Better training, better verification, and renewed enforcement of common-sense safety standards, including English proficiency, are all essential for protecting both drivers and the motoring public.

The trucking industry has always balanced tight schedules, economic pressures, and evolving regulations. But when safety is on the line, there’s no room for compromise. Ensuring that all drivers on the road can understand and respond to road signs, inspections, and emergency instructions isn’t just good policy—it’s critical for preventing accidents and saving lives. Triple T Transport is committed to advancing safety and accountability across the transportation industry. For more insights into trucking regulations and how they impact your operation, stay tuned to the Stay In Your Lane Podcast.