Trump administration enforces English language requirement for truck drivers

In a recent move by the Trump administration, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy signed an order in Austin, Texas, to enforce a law that requires truck drivers to speak English. This decision was framed as a safety issue for America’s roadways, emphasizing the importance of clear communication between truckers and officials.

The enforcement of this law comes after President Trump signed an executive order on April 28, directing the Department of Transportation to include English literacy tests for truckers. The aim is to ensure that drivers can read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to inquiries, and make entries on reports and records.

According to Secretary Duffy, before 2015, over 99,000 drivers had English proficiency violations, with a thousand being taken out of service. However, many of these drivers only received a minor penalty, highlighting the need for stricter enforcement. Duffy emphasized that English is the language of opportunity in America and allowing drivers who cannot understand basic instructions to operate large vehicles poses a significant safety risk.

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, also underscored the importance of this policy, stating that communication problems between truckers and officials can lead to public safety risks. By ensuring that all truckers can speak English, the administration aims to mitigate these risks and prioritize the safety of all Americans on the road.

Moving forward, truckers will face consequences if they are unable to speak English when pulled over. This new enforcement is a critical step towards enhancing safety on the road and ensuring that all drivers can effectively communicate with officials and the public.

Overall, the Trump administration’s decision to enforce English language proficiency among truck drivers is a significant move towards improving safety and communication on America’s roadways. By prioritizing this requirement, the administration aims to uphold safety standards and protect the well-being of all individuals on the road.