President Trump Signs Executive Order to Enforce English Proficiency for Commercial Drivers

On April 28, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order aimed at reinforcing safety on America’s roads by requiring commercial drivers to meet English proficiency standards. The order directs the Secretary of Transportation to revise the out-of-service criteria, ensuring that drivers who are not proficient in English can be taken off the road until compliance is met.

This move reverses Obama-era guidance that critics say weakened enforcement of the existing federal law requiring English proficiency among commercial drivers. President Trump’s administration argues that the ability to read road signs, communicate with safety officers, and understand regulations is a matter of public safety, especially as truck-involved fatalities have risen in recent years.

In addition to safety, the Executive Order calls for a review of how states issue commercial driver’s licenses to non-domiciled individuals, and outlines future regulatory and enforcement efforts to improve working conditions for American truckers.

President Trump also reiterated his support for establishing English as the official language of the United States, stating that this standard is critical for ensuring that all professional drivers can operate safely and communicate effectively on the job.