Senator Tuberville Backs English Proficiency Mandate for U.S. Truck Drivers

Safety First on America's Highways

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has voiced strong support for Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy's recent directive enforcing English language proficiency among commercial truck drivers. The policy, reinstated under the Trump administration, mandates that drivers must be able to read and speak English fluently to operate on American roads.

"I agree," Tuberville stated. "If you drive a truck in the U.S., you should be able to speak English fluently. This keeps everyone on our roads SAFE."

1,500 Trucks Removed from Service

Secretary Duffy emphasized the urgency of the measure, citing safety concerns: "We have taken 1,500 trucks out of service - off the roads - because the drivers couldn't speak English." He added, "If you're going to get in a mobile missile, you should speak our language."

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has long required English proficiency for commercial drivers, but enforcement waned under previous administrations. Duffy's directive, issued in May, reversed that trend, leading to roadside inspections and out-of-service orders for noncompliant drivers.

Legal and Historical Context

Federal regulations stipulate that commercial drivers must be able to:

• Converse with the public

• Understand highway signs and signals in English

• Respond to official inquiries

• Make entries on reports and records

While the rule has existed for decades, enforcement was relaxed in 2016. The Trump administration's executive order, signed in April, reasserted the requirement as a "commonsense safety standard".

Tuberville's Advocacy and Alabama's Role

Tuberville's endorsement aligns with the Alabama Trucking Association, which has praised the move as a long-overdue correction. "This protects our law enforcement officers and the general public," Tuberville said. "Whether taking their kids to school, driving to work, or going to the grocery store, Americans shouldn't feel in danger every time they get on the road".

Industry Concerns and Workforce Impact

While supporters argue the policy enhances safety, critics warn it could exacerbate the trucking industry's labor shortage. An estimated 3.8% of CDL holders have limited English proficiency, and immigrant drivers make up nearly 16% of the workforce. Advocacy groups have raised concerns about potential discrimination and inconsistent enforcement.

Still, Tuberville remains firm: "I applaud President Trump's efforts to remove commercial truck drivers who cannot read or speak English, strengthen inspection procedures, enforce our nation's laws, and ultimately, make our roads a safer place."