As you may recall, the President signed the executive order “Enforcing Common Sense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers” on April 28, 2025. The order mandates FMCSA enforce an English competency requirement of commercial drivers (i.e. truck drivers). This order is now in effect, and we are aware that DPS has begun enforcement actions.
If a driver is operating within a Border Commercial Zone (i.e. near an International Bridge or Port) and cannot communicate with an officer in English, they will receive a violation which will be noted on their record, but will be allowed to proceed.
However, if a driver operating outside of a Border Commercial Zone cannot effectively communicate in English, that driver will be immediately placed out-of-service.
Local DPS was kind enough to share with us what the English Competency expectations look like. These guidance documents are from FMCSA and are intended as a reference for Officers checking for ELP (English Language Proficiency).
Please feel free to share this with your logistics partners.