Truckers Submit Comments Supporting FMCSA English Proficiency Proposed Rule

In August, we reported on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) announcement that they would be moving to codify their current guidelines on English Language Proficiency for truckers into a new rule.

These guidelines would make English proficiency standards for truckers permanent and bar drivers who aren’t fluent from driving on our roads.  It would also remove the “border loophole” which allows non-English-speaking drivers from Mexico to cross into the United States and drive without any oversight.

The deadline to submit comments on the guidelines closed on October 9th, and several high profile organizations left comments on the rule. The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) left comments emphasizing the importance of drivers needing to be able to read signage, and that “English-language proficiency isn’t optional. It’s essential.”

The National Tank Truck Carriers (NTTC) also left comments stressing the importance of “clear and consistent standards” that will provide everyone on the road with a better peace of mind knowing that drivers are qualified and can communicate.

Several other organizations also left supportive comments, including the American Trucking Associations (ATA), the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA), and the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA).

We’ll continue to update you on important developments surrounding English proficiency requirements for drivers. Road safety is an issue that affects every American, and it’s critical that all drivers on our roads are proficient in English.