nht PUMPING THE BRAKES: DOT Secretary Duffy Defends English Proficiency Rule Amid CDL Controversy
PUMPING THE BRAKES: DOT Secretary Duffy Defends English Proficiency Rule Amid CDL Controversy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy and the Department of Transportation (DOT) are strongly defending federal regulations regarding English proficiency for commercial truck drivers, firing back at viral news reports that have criticized the denial of a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to an Indian citizen in California.
The controversy erupted following a report detailing a prospective driver’s inability to pass the English language requirements necessary to operate a commercial vehicle in the U.S. Duffy’s office and the DOT were quick to issue a sharp rebuke of the criticism, doubling down on the strict enforcement of safety standards.
“The Bare Minimum” for American Roads
In a strongly worded statement, the DOT highlighted the duration of the individual’s residency in the U.S. versus their linguistic preparedness:
“This driver has been in the U.S. for TEN YEARS and does not know enough English to qualify for a trucking license. This is exactly why Sec. Duffy ordered the FMCSA [Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration] to crack down on English proficiency standards.”
The statement concluded with a forceful declaration framing the requirement as a foundational safety measure:
“Do you want to drive on American roads? Being able to understand English is the BARE MINIMUM.“
Safety vs. Economic Opportunity
The FMCSA standards require commercial drivers to be able to “read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.”
Secretary Duffy argues that these rules are non-negotiable for public safety. In the event of an accident, a medical emergency, or a traffic stop, a driver’s ability to clearly communicate with first responders, police, and fellow motorists is crucial.
However, critics of the strict enforcement argue that the rule disproportionately affects immigrants who are otherwise qualified and are entering an industry facing a chronic labor shortage. Trucking associations frequently lobby for measures to ease entry into the profession to keep the supply chain moving.
Despite the industry pressure, the DOT under Secretary Duffy appears resolute. This latest public stance signals an ongoing commitment to tightening, rather than loosening, the language requirements for professional drivers on America’s highways.
