Senators Introduce English Proficiency CDL Bill
Measures Follows Trump’s Executive Order for DOT
Key Takeaways:
- Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso, both Wyoming Republicans, are co-lead sponsors of the legislation.
- Earlier this year, Republican Reps. Dave Taylor of Ohio and Harriet Hageman of Wyoming introduced the bill’s companion version.
- The measure would require that commercial drivers comprehend traffic signs in English, as well as respond to official notices and prepare reports in English.
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Legislation that would enhance English proficiency requirements for truck drivers nationwide was recently introduced in the Senate.
The bill, sponsored by , would require commercial driver license holders to understand English and be able to adequately communicate in the language. The legislation also would disqualify commercial drivers who fail requisite English communication standards.
“Wyoming families and travelers deserve safe highways,” Lummis, a member of the transportation committees, said Oct. 14. “I’m introducing this common-sense legislation to ensure commercial truck drivers operating heavy vehicles can simply read signs, understand traffic laws, and communicate effectively with law enforcement and emergency responders.
“Wyoming is a critical interstate commerce hub, with [Interstate 80] as a major shipping corridor. Our challenging road conditions, including high winds, winter storms and mountains, demand clear communication between drivers and authorities,” she added, noting President Donald Trump’s executive order regarding basic proficiency in English to gain a CDL, titled, “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.”
Wyoming Republican Sens. Cynthia Lummis and John Barrasso
, chairman of the Public Lands, Forests and Mining Subcommittee, is the bill’s co-lead sponsor.
Specifically the measure would require that commercial drivers comprehend traffic signs in English, as well as respond to official notices and prepare reports in English. Failure to comply with such requirements would result in an out-of-service notification. The bill is meant to codify Trump’s executive order.
“My administration will enforce the law to protect the safety of American truckers, drivers, passengers and others, including by upholding the safety enforcement regulations that ensure that anyone behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle is properly qualified and proficient in our national language, English,” per the executive order.
The bill’s consideration in committee has yet to be scheduled.
Earlier this year, Republican Reps. Dave Taylor of Ohio and Harriet Hageman of Wyoming introduced the bill’s companion version.
“President Trump demonstrated leadership through his executive order requiring CDL drivers to speak English, which paved the way for driver safety, and I’m proud to introduce this bill to codify it and do the same,” Taylor said in May.
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“Requiring truck drivers to be proficient in reading and speaking the English language is just common sense,” Hageman added. “Driving some of the biggest rigs on our highway systems, often in inclement weather, creates risk enough, but this liability is exacerbated when truck drivers can neither read our highway signs nor clearly communicate with others on the road, thereby putting everyone in danger.”
Co-sponsors include Republican Reps. Mike Collins of Georgia, Paul Gosar of Arizona and Beth Van Duyne of Texas.
Stakeholders endorsed the legislation.
“The ability to read road signs, understand the rules of the road and communicate with law enforcement officials is vital to ensuring the safety of all motorists. That’s why English proficiency is a requirement for operating a commercial motor vehicle,” Henry Hanscom, American Trucking Associations’ senior vice president of legislative affairs, said in a statement accompanying the Senate bill’s introduction.
“We welcomed President Trump’s executive order that provided much-needed clarity, and we commend this effort by [Sens.] Lummis and Barrasso to codify an objective, consistent and effective standard,” he continued. “ATA stands ready to work with the administration and USDOT on ensuring there is uniform enforcement and a high standard of safety on our highways.”
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association president Todd Spencer observed: “The ability to read and communicate in English is not just a matter of convenience; it’s a matter of safety for everyone who shares the road.”
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