In response to President Donald J. Trump’s Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers Executive Order, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Board of Directors has approved the addition of non-compliance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 391.11(b)(2) to the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, effective June 25, 2025.

New Out-of-Service Criteria: English Proficiency

A new “English Proficiency (U.S. Only)” section will be added to the “Part I – Driver” category of the Out-of-Service Criteria. The criteria state: “Driver cannot read and speak the English language sufficiently to communicate with the safety official, respond to official inquiries, or follow directions, per FMCSA enforcement guidance (391.11(b)(2)). Driver will be declared out of service.”

Under CFR 391.11(b)(2), drivers must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to:

• Converse with the public
• Understand English highway signs and signals
• Respond to official inquiries
• Complete reports and records

This update allows commercial motor vehicle inspectors to place drivers out of service if they fail to demonstrate adequate English reading and speaking skills, ensuring compliance with federal safety standards.

Enforcement and Guidance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will provide guidance to inspectors to ensure consistent enforcement of the English proficiency standard across the U.S. The CVSA’s Out-of-Service Criteria prohibit motor carriers or drivers from operating commercial vehicles when specific safety violations, including this new language proficiency requirement, are identified.

Emergency Approval Process

To meet the 60-day deadline outlined in the executive order, the CVSA Board invoked an emergency provision in its bylaws, allowing the change to be approved without the standard vote by Class I Members. This expedited process underscores the urgency of aligning safety regulations with the executive directive.

Future Actions

CVSA will take additional steps to strengthen and harmonize regulations:

• Petition to Update CFR 391.11(b)(2): CVSA will request FMCSA to formally designate non-compliance with English proficiency as an out-of-service condition.
• Harmonization of Standards: CVSA will petition FMCSA to align English language requirements in 49 CFR Part 383 (Commercial Driver’s License Standards) with those in 49 CFR Part 391 (Qualifications of Drivers) for consistent application across regulations.

This update reinforces CVSA’s commitment to enhancing road safety while ensuring clear communication between drivers and safety officials. For more details, visit the CVSA website or contact your local FMCSA office.