Washington, D.C. (WDNews) – Drivers are expressing both support and concern about a new federal trucking regulation that went into effect on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
Commercial truck drivers must prove they can speak English during roadside inspections or risk being suspended, according to the executive order signed by President Donald Trump in April. During inspections, the rule also forbids using cellphones, translators, or any other form of communication assistance.
A 2016 rule change implemented during the Obama administration that permitted drivers who do not speak English to continue driving with just a citation is reversed by this policy. Truckers may now completely lose their commercial license if they are unable to meet the language requirement under the restored policy.
Some in the trucking sector are concerned about the consequences, while others favor the measure, arguing that it increases safety by ensuring drivers can understand signs and follow directions.
WDNews was informed by a local dock handler at a nearby factory that she supports the rule for another reason.
We find it difficult to communicate with drivers who don’t understand English, which puts everyone’s safety at risk, she said. Additionally, if we pause to translate instructions or requests, the entire task may stop, slowing down the facility’s production and procedure.
According to truckers who studied English as a second language, the law jeopardizes their ability to make a living, particularly if they have strong accents or depend on gadgets for communication. Despite being skilled, safe drivers, many are afraid of unfairly being penalized when they are unable to employ translation aids during inspections.
The rule will be enforced nationwide by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at weigh points and during routine inspections.
