More Than 7,000 Truckers Reportedly Sidelined for English Proficiency Violations
According to federal reporting, 7,248 commercial truck drivers have been placed out of service as of October 2025 for failing to meet the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This dramatic uptick follows renewed enforcement this summer, as the agency reinstated language standards that had been relaxed under earlier guidance.
The rule now in effect states that a driver must “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, understand highway traffic signs and signals in English, respond to official inquiries and make entries on reports and records.” Failure to meet these criteria can result in immediate out‑of‑service status.
Enforcement Ramped Up: What’s Changed
The shift began when the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) officially added the English proficiency requirement to its North American Standard Out‑of‑Service Criteria on June 25 2025. Drivers who cannot answer an initial interview in English—or fail to recognize U.S. traffic signs—may be placed out of service immediately.
Federal officials report that at least 5,006 out‑of‑service violations related to English proficiency were recorded by October 2025, showing significant enforcement activity across multiple states.
Texans and Bilingual Fleets Feel the Impact
The state of Texas, which leads the nation in issuing commercial driver’s licenses to non‑citizens, has seen some of the largest effects. In 2024, Texas issued 6,265 CDLs to non‑citizens. Many carriers say the renewed enforcement is hitting bilingual fleets hardest—particularly those whose drivers are seasoned professionals but may not respond swiftly to English‑only inspection protocols.
One carrier CEO stated, “We have drivers who’ve been safely operating for years, but now they’re being put out of service because they can’t respond in English fast enough during a roadside stop.” This sentiment highlights concerns that enforcement may be more about language speed and interpretation than safety deficiencies.
Why This Issue Matters for Carriers & Fleets
Driver shortages aggravated: With thousands sidelined, carriers that rely on bilingual or non‑domestic‑born drivers may face recruitment and retention challenges.
Operational disruptions: Sudden driver removal can impact load capacity, scheduling, and service reliability—especially in border or bilingual‑heavy regions.
Cost and liability risks: Undocumented or improper issuance of CDLs combined with enforcement lapses could create compliance and legal exposure.
State compliance scrutiny: States that license large volumes of drivers may face federal pressure or loss of funding if oversight is found lacking.
What Fleets Should Do Now
Conduct internal assessments of driver English proficiency regardless of origin; don’t wait for a roadside stop.
Provide training and support for drivers whose first language isn’t English—focus on real‑world questions, traffic signs, and official interactions.
Monitor state issuance practices and driver qualification documents, especially in states with high issuance of non‑domiciled CDLs.
Update driver qualification files to include documentation of English proficiency assessments or training refresher records.
Communicate with dispatch, safety and compliance teams to ensure readiness for increased enforcement and roadside inspections.
For help reviewing your fleet’s compliance posture, driver qualification files, or to adjust your insurance coverage in response to these enforcement changes, contact Allcom Insurance at 866‑277‑9049 or email info@allcomins.com.