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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has recently introduced updated guidance for law enforcement regarding the evaluation of English language proficiency (ELP) among commercial vehicle drivers. This new directive aims to ensure that drivers possess the necessary fluency in English to comply with safety regulations and avoid potential citations or out-of-service orders.
In late April, President Trump signed an Executive Order mandating the enforcement of existing ELP requirements for truck drivers. This order seeks to reverse a 2016 policy that previously allowed commercial drivers to avoid being placed out of service for ELP violations. As a result of this order, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance has updated the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, making ELP violations once again an out-of-service offense, effective June 25, 2025.
On May 20, 2025, the FMCSA released an internal memo detailing a two-step language assessment process that law enforcement personnel must follow to evaluate whether drivers meet ELP requirements during inspections. This process is effective immediately and includes the following steps:
Step 1: Driver Interview
The first stage involves conducting an interview with the driver to assess their ability to respond to official inquiries in English, as required by 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2). Inspectors are advised to initiate all roadside inspections in English. If it becomes apparent that the driver may not understand the inspector’s initial instructions, the inspector should proceed with the ELP assessment.
During the driver interview, inspectors must ensure that drivers respond in English without the aid of communication tools such as interpreters, I-Speak cards, cue cards or smartphone applications. The use of these tools could potentially obscure a driver’s inability to communicate effectively in English. If the inspector concludes that the driver cannot respond adequately in English, a citation for violation of ELP requirements will be issued, and there is no need to proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Highway Traffic Sign Recognition Assessment
If the driver passes the initial interview, the second step involves evaluating their understanding of U.S. highway traffic signs, including dynamic message signs. Inspectors will conduct a Highway Traffic Sign Assessment to determine whether the driver can comprehend traffic signs as outlined in the Federal Highway Administration’s Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).
The memo emphasizes the importance of documenting evidence to support any ELP violation, including the driver’s responses or lack thereof. Should a violation be confirmed, the driver will be placed immediately out of service, and further action may be initiated to disqualify them from operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
It’s worth noting that there is an exemption for drivers operating commercial vehicles in designated zones along the U.S.-Mexico border. While these drivers may be cited for ELP violations, they will not be placed out of service or disqualified from operating commercial vehicles.
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