A policy shift is underway in the U.S. trucking industry regarding the language mandate for truckers. Starting June 25, 2025, truck drivers who are unable to demonstrate sufficient English proficiency may be placed out of service, following new federal guidance and enforcement decisions by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). These changes are expected to affect staffing, compliance, and operations for employers nationwide.
Here’s what you need to know.
Background on the Language Mandate for Truckers: Renewed Emphasis on an Existing Regulation
In April 2025, an executive order was issued directing federal agencies to enforce English language requirements for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. While the regulation itself—49 CFR §391.11(b)(2)—is not new, the latest move represents a significant change in enforcement.
This regulation requires that CMV drivers must be able to:
- Read and speak English well enough to communicate with the public and law enforcement,
- Understand traffic signs and signals in English,
- Respond to official inquiries, and
- Complete reports and records.
Although these rules have been on the books, enforcement has varied over time. In 2016, federal guidance issued softened how English proficiency was assessed during roadside inspections. The new executive directive now calls on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to rescind that guidance and reassert stricter enforcement.
CVSA’s Enforcement Timeline
In response to the executive order, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) voted to include English language proficiency in its North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.
Beginning June 25, 2025, inspectors across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico will be authorized to place drivers out of service if they cannot:
- Communicate with safety officials in English, or
- Understand and respond to questions during an inspection.
This marks a formal return to the enforcement standards that were in place prior to the 2016 guidance.
Source: CVSA News
What This Means for Employers
1. Risk of Operational Disruption
Industry estimates suggest that roughly 10% of the U.S. interstate CDL workforce may not meet the language standards under stricter enforcement. Employers relying on multilingual or immigrant labor forces, particularly in logistics, long-haul, and regional trucking, may face staffing shortages and service delays.
Source: FreightWaves
2. Immediate Compliance Needs
Companies should review their hiring, onboarding, and driver management practices to ensure they are aligned with federal regulations. If a driver is pulled from service due to a language issue, it not only affects delivery timelines but could also lead to broader compliance scrutiny.
3. Training and Support Programs
Some employers are already investing in workplace English training to support affected drivers. Solutions range from mobile-based language learning apps to blended programs that include instructor-led lessons tailored to trucking terminology and safety compliance.
Actionable Steps for Fleet Operators and HR Teams
- Evaluate Current Driver Language Skills: Begin with a risk assessment to identify where gaps may exist. Babbel for Business offers a 10-minute CERF-level English Speaking Test evaluated by AI with 96% human-rated accuracy.
- Incorporate Language Checks into Hiring and Onboarding: Build English proficiency into qualification screening and training.
- Invest in Upskilling Solutions: Look for scalable language learning options that are accessible to drivers on the road.
- Stay Informed: Watch for forthcoming enforcement guidance from the FMCSA and CVSA in the weeks ahead.
While the regulation itself isn’t new, the upcoming enforcement changes will require employers to act quickly. Language gaps are about to become a visible compliance issue, and ignoring them could result in operational setbacks during an already tight labor market.
Taking a proactive approach now can help you protect your operations, support your drivers, and stay compliant in a shifting regulatory landscape.
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