USDOT Threatens to Pull Millions in Funding from Three States Over Truck Driver Language Requirements
The U.S. Department of Transportation is threatening to withhold millions in federal funding from California, Washington, and New Mexico for failing to enforce English language proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers. The three states have 30 days to comply or risk losing up to 100% of their Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program funding.
“States don’t get to pick and choose which federal safety rules to follow,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy in a statement released today. “As we saw with the horrific Florida crash that killed three, when states fail to enforce the law, they put the driving public in danger.”
The crackdown comes after the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance began requiring drivers unable to demonstrate English proficiency be placed out of service in late June. Federal officials claim they’ve found “significant failures” in all three states to properly enforce these requirements.
California conducted approximately 34,000 inspections between June 25 and August 21, yet placed only one driver out of service for language violations. Washington cited just two drivers for language violations during 6,000 inspections, but neither was placed out of service. New Mexico reportedly allowed seven drivers lacking English proficiency to continue operating during the same period.
The California Highway Patrol has publicly stated it won’t enforce the out-of-service requirements, further escalating tensions with federal authorities.
Industry groups have rallied behind the federal position. Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association president Todd Spencer emphasized that “basic English skills are critical for safely operating a commercial motor vehicle.”
American Trucking Associations president Chris Spear called the announcement “a necessary and welcome step toward ensuring safety and accountability.”
The department has initiated a formal process that could suspend millions in federal dollars if the states don’t change course within the 30-day window.