The rules of the road are always evolving, and one change that’s creating a lot of discussion in the trucking industry is the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement. While this rule has been on the books for years, new federal guidance means there is stricter enforcement. For truck drivers and carriers, understanding what’s expected and how to stay compliant is critical to avoiding costly delays and penalties.
Here are the most common questions about the English language requirement for truck drivers.
Q: What is the English language requirement for truck drivers?
Under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2), commercial motor vehicle drivers must be able to:
- Read and speak English well enough to converse with the public.
- Understand highway traffic signs and signals written in English.
- Respond to official inquiries from law enforcement or inspectors.
- Make entries on reports and records in English.
Q: Why is this requirement being talked about now?
While the rule has existed for decades, enforcement has changed. In 2015, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) loosened enforcement of this regulation, dropping the out-of-service criteria. In April 2025, an executive order directed regulators to restore that original enforcement, and by June 25, 2025, inspectors were authorized to place drivers out-of-service (OOS) if they fail English proficiency checks.
Due to presidential executive order and subsequent guidance from the FMSCA, the CVSA (Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance) also changed its criteria in 2025 to include English proficiency as a reason for placing a commercial driver out of service.
Q: How will English proficiency be tested?
Roadside inspections now include a two-step process if an inspector believes a truck driver may not meet the requirement:
- Interview in English – The inspector asks basic questions like “What are you hauling?” No interpreters, cue cards, or translation devices are allowed.
- Traffic sign recognition – Drivers must correctly interpret standard traffic signs, including electronic message boards.
Failing either step can result in a citation or being placed out-of-service.
Q: Are there any exceptions?
Yes:
- Border zones – On the U.S.–Mexico border violations are cited but do not result in OOS placement.
- Hearing-impaired drivers – If they hold FMCSA exemptions, they will not be disqualified solely for oral communication difficulties, provided they can read and write English.
Q: What happens if a truck driver fails the test?
Truck drivers who cannot demonstrate adequate English proficiency may be:
- Cited for violation of federal regulations.
- Placed out-of-service until a compliant driver takes over.
This can delay deliveries, increase costs, and impact company safety scores.
Q: How does this affect carriers and truck drivers?
For truck drivers – Non-native speakers may need additional training. Many trucking schools and associations are rolling out English as a Second Language (ESL) programs to help.
For carriers – Companies are expected to ensure their drivers meet the requirement. Failing to do so could result in fines, OOS penalties, and business disruption.
Q: What’s the bottom line?
The English language requirement isn’t new, but enforcement has changed. As of June 2025, drivers who cannot demonstrate sufficient English skills may be placed out-of-service during roadside inspections. Carriers and truck drivers should prepare now with training and compliance checks to avoid costly disruptions.
At the end of the day, this requirement is about safety and compliance. For truck drivers, it’s one more reason to sharpen communication skills on the job. For carriers, it’s a reminder to review your hiring, training, and compliance practices.