In a recent executive order, President Donald J. Trump emphasized the critical role of truck drivers in bolstering the U.S. economy and ensuring national security.
According to the order issued on April 28, 2025, truck drivers are recognized as essential workers who transport goods across the country, playing a vital role in the logistics and supply chain systems that support American businesses and communities.
The order reiterates the importance of English proficiency for commercial drivers, stating that it should be a non-negotiable safety requirement.
“Drivers must be able to read and understand traffic signs, communicate effectively with law enforcement and safety personnel, and relay information to employers and customers,” the President noted, adding that such capabilities are foundational to maintaining safety on American roadways.
While federal law already mandates that commercial vehicle operators be proficient in English, President Trump’s administration has flagged a concerning decline in the enforcement of this mandate over recent years.
The executive order calls for immediate action to reinstate rigorous enforcement of existing English language requirements for commercial drivers.
Section 3 of the order directs the Secretary of Transportation to rescind a prior guidance issued in 2016, which had effectively weakened enforcement of English proficiency standards among truck drivers.
In its place, new guidelines for inspecting compliance with the English language requirements will be issued.
“To protect the safety of America’s truckers and all road users, we must ensure that anyone behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle can communicate effectively in English,” the order stated.
The order also highlights the need for the out-of-service criteria to reflect English proficiency violations more strictly.
This means that drivers failing to meet these language competencies may be removed from service until they are deemed compliant.
In addition to enforcing language requirements, President Trump’s executive order aims to enhance the safety and integrity of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) program.
Under Section 4, the Secretary of Transportation will be instructed to examine non-domiciled CDLs issued by state agencies.
The focus will be on identifying irregularities in their issuance to ensure that such licenses are not being abused or improperly obtained.
Furthermore, the order mandates an evaluation of current protocols used to authenticate both domestic and international commercial driving credentials, ensuring that only qualified drivers operate on U.S. roads.
Section 5 highlights additional support for America’s truck drivers, detailing that the Secretary of Transportation must identify and implement further actions within 60 days to improve drivers’ working conditions.
While the order sets forth clear directives, it also includes general provisions that clarify the authority of executive departments and agencies in relation to the order.
The provisions indicate that the executive order is not intended to create any enforceable rights for individuals against the U.S. government or its agencies.
In conclusion, this executive order from President Trump represents a renewed commitment to truck driver safety and road integrity, prioritizing clear communication standards for those working in the industry.
As the trucking sector continues to face challenges, the Administration’s push to enforce English proficiency and improve working conditions may have significant implications for those who drive our nation’s highways.
image source from：https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/04/enforcing-commonsense-rules-of-the-road-for-americas-truck-drivers/
