Press Release: ProEnglish Applauds Senator Marshall’s Bill Requiring English Literacy for Truck Drivers

Washington, D.C.  ProEnglish, the nation’s leading advocate for establishing English as the official language of the United States, strongly supports U.S. Senator Roger Marshall’s (R-KS) newly introduced Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act (S.2114). “This critical legislation would require all commercial truck drivers to demonstrate the ability to read and understand English before obtaining or renewing a commercial driver’s license (CDL),” said Ellen Hamilton-Cotten.

“The bill reinforces existing federal standards requiring commercial drivers to interpret road signs, comprehend safety rules, and communicate with law enforcement officials – all in English. However, enforcement of these standards has been inconsistent across states, putting public safety at risk. Kansans deserve to know that commercial operators are held to the highest safety standards. I am proud to introduce legislation that ensures those driving the largest vehicles on the road can understand the official language of America: English,” Marshall said.

Hamilton-Cotten echoed the bill’s importance: “When truck drivers cannot read English, they may misinterpret crucial signage or fail to respond effectively in emergencies. This bill ensures that language is not a barrier to safety and reinforces a unifying principle for our country.”

The legislation mandates that all CDL testing be conducted exclusively in English. Applicants must demonstrate functional proficiency in reading and understanding written instructions, traffic signage, and safety protocols in English. The exam must not be translated or interpreted in any other language.

The Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act would amend Title 49 of the U.S. Code to require English-language testing of prospective drivers, ensuring they can understand traffic signs, communicate with law enforcement in English, and give and receive directions – all in English.