President Donald Trump is preparing to sign a new executive order requiring all commercial truck drivers operating in the United States to demonstrate proficiency in English, a move aimed at improving road safety and restoring common-sense standards across the transportation industry.
The order will reverse a 2016 policy under the Obama administration, which had advised the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that drivers lacking English proficiency did not have to be placed out of service. Under Trump’s new directive, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will be tasked with rescinding that prior guidance and strengthening inspection protocols to ensure drivers meet basic English language standards.
The executive order emphasizes that professional truck drivers must be capable of reading and understanding highway and traffic signs, effectively communicating with traffic safety officers, border patrol agents, cargo inspection staff, and others critical to roadway operations. Drivers will be expected to follow directions, respond to emergency situations, and participate in inspections using English.
Industry leaders have welcomed the move. Kevin Hawley, President of the Wyoming Trucking Association, said many trucking companies have raised serious concerns over the safety risks posed by drivers who cannot read road signs or understand instructions during inspections and weight checks. Hawley emphasized that communication failures can lead to dangerous situations for other motorists and law enforcement officers alike.
This executive action follows a broader effort by President Trump to designate English as the official language of the United States—a move intended to promote national unity, strengthen civic culture, and create consistent standards across government operations. The trucking order builds on that foundation by ensuring that critical transportation sectors operate with clear, reliable communication standards that protect public safety.
The updated regulations are expected to have a significant impact on the industry. Trucking companies will likely need to implement additional English language training programs or adjust hiring practices to ensure full compliance with the new federal requirements.
Supporters argue that requiring English proficiency is not only common sense but essential for maintaining safety on America’s highways, where clear communication can mean the difference between order and chaos. Critics of previous lax enforcement have pointed to numerous cases where language barriers caused confusion at inspection points, agricultural checkpoints, and accident scenes—endangering lives and delaying emergency response.
President Trump’s executive order sends a clear message: America’s highways must be safe, orderly, and governed by standards that prioritize the well-being of American citizens above political correctness.