A semi-truck driver who can’t read warning signs or follow inspection instructions may be a risk
Texas’s freight network includes drivers from across the globe, and recently, Gov. Greg Abbott ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to strictly enforce federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) rules for all commercial drivers. His directive reignited a long‑running debate: Should English proficiency be mandatory for truck drivers?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has long required drivers to read and speak English well enough to converse with officers and understand traffic signs. In 2025, these ELP violations once again became out‑of‑service offenses.
Why has this become an issue?
Drivers communicate with inspectors about cargo, hours of service, and possible violations. Misunderstandings can delay inspections and, in the worst cases, compromise safety. Therefore, FMCSA rules mandate that drivers speak and read English. Many states interpret this loosely, but Texas’s directive signals that officers will no longer overlook shortcomings.
However, the FMCSA has never defined a standardized test, leaving enforcement subject to interpretation. Critics worry that the rule’s vagueness could foster inconsistent or discriminatory enforcement. A group of bilingual drivers has petitioned FMCSA to develop a formal ELP endorsement for commercial driver’s licenses, arguing that clearer standards are needed.
Who supports and who opposes the crackdown?
Proponents, including law‑enforcement officials and some safety advocates, insist on clear communication. They point to cases in which drivers struggled to understand hazardous materials labels or failed to follow emergency instructions due to language barriers. They argue that with trucks weighing tens of thousands of pounds, even minor miscommunication can have catastrophic consequences.
Industry groups and immigrant‑rights advocates see the order as overly punitive. They note that most violations since June involved drivers licensed in other countries. Many non‑English speakers have decades of safe driving experience. With an existing driver shortage, they argue, a zero‑tolerance policy risks sidelining qualified drivers and straining supply chains.
Advocacy organizations also emphasize that language barriers are surmountable. Many drivers pick up English through training and experience. Rather than denying licenses, they say regulators should provide resources to help drivers meet the standard.
Is there a middle ground?
The debate raises an important question: Can safety be enhanced without excluding non‑English‑speaking drivers? These alternatives recognize that communication matters while avoiding blanket bans. They also acknowledge that the trucking industry is global, and policies must adapt to that reality. Several proposals aim to strike a balance:
- Standardized ELP endorsement: Petitioners propose a formal English Language Proficiency (ELP) endorsement, similar to a Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) endorsement, that would provide uniform testing and training requirements. Drivers could prove proficiency through a recognized exam or coursework rather than subjective interviews.
- Interpreter services and bilingual materials: States could provide translators at weigh stations and inspection points and offer road signs or manuals in multiple languages. This would ensure comprehension during critical interactions without blocking drivers from work.
- Training programs: Carriers and community colleges can offer English courses focused on trucking terminology. Drivers could continue working while improving their language skills.
What should drivers do now?
Drivers operating in Texas should expect more language checks. Even intrastate operators may need to converse in English during inspections. Carriers might consider assisting their drivers with language training or providing bilingual support. Documenting training and demonstrating efforts to improve English proficiency can be helpful if a violation is contested.
If you’re a driver worried about enforcement, familiarize yourself with common inspection questions, practice explaining your cargo and hours of service in English, and keep certificates from any language classes. The broader conversation will likely continue. Policymakers and industry leaders will need to refine rules so they promote safety without creating undue barriers. Clear standards, accessible training, and fair enforcement could help achieve that balance.
Who can help if you’re injured in a truck accident?
The consequences of truck crashes are often severe. Serious accidents can involve head‑on collisions, intersection crashes, rear‑end impacts, rollovers, jackknife incidents, or underride collisions. Factors such as faulty brakes, speeding, overloaded cargo, or driver fatigue often contribute to accidents. After such an event, victims must navigate medical bills, lost wages, and insurance claims, all while recovering from injuries.
Multiple parties (including the driver, the carrier, and equipment manufacturers) may share liability. A knowledgeable attorney understands federal and state regulations (including language rules) and can investigate whether a driver’s lack of English proficiency contributed to the crash. Legal representation also levels the playing field against large trucking companies and their insurance providers.
Contact Hoover Rogers Law, LLP
After a truck crash, families may be left with medical bills, lost income, and questions about why the accident happened. Sometimes the answer lies in violations hidden in driver records—like failing to meet federal English standards. At Hoover Rogers Law, LLP, our Wichita Falls truck accident lawyers have seen how these details can make or break a case. If you were injured, our team will dig deep, find the truth, and fight for your recovery.
We offer free case evaluations and can explain how the law applies to your situation. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact us for a free consultation. Our law firm will handle communications with insurers and fight for the compensation you need to recover.