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Federal data shows that thousands of commercial vehicle drivers have been taken off the road for failing to meet ELP requirements.
English Language Proficiency (ELP) inspections began rolling out in June across the United States, following directives from the Department of Transportation, as part of compliance with a regulation established under President Trump. Additionally, in response to a series of recent accidents, authorities have introduced a new checkpoint: weigh stations on interstate highways will now also conduct ELP inspections for truck drivers.
With these measures becoming increasingly prevalent, federal data shows that thousands of commercial vehicle drivers have been taken off the road for failing to meet ELP requirements. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a total of 3,020 out-of-service orders have been issued for ELP violations since June 2025.
This figure highlights that many trucking companies were not enforcing stricter standards when hiring drivers, often overlooking the importance of a basic understanding of English, an essential component for road safety.
Rise in ELP violations
FMCSA data reveals a concerning trend for the trucking industry. Despite mandates from the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies, many companies continue to fall short in enforcing English proficiency standards.
The FMCSA’s regional breakdown of ELP out-of-service violations is as follows:
- East: 386 violations
- Midwest: 615 violations
- South: 878 violations
- West: 1,141 violations
This represents a significant increase in ELP-related out-of-service violations recorded over the past month. By mid-August, the number of ELP out-of-service infractions had reached 1,212 in the database, according to the digital outlet The Trucker.
Trucking industry backs DOT’s new measures
The trucking sector has largely supported the renewed enforcement of English proficiency requirements, arguing that strong communication skills are essential for highway safety, particularly in complex traffic situations or when interacting with law enforcement.
Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy reported that by the end of June 2025, approximately 1,500 drivers had been removed from service for failing to meet ELP standards. Duffy celebrated these results on social media, emphasizing the effectiveness of the policy.
Duffy has been a strong advocate for strict enforcement of ELP regulations, especially following a high-profile crash on the Florida Turnpike that resulted in three fatalities. The truck driver involved, Harjinder Singh, faced scrutiny regarding whether his English skills met the FMCSA’s required level for safe operation.
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