Thousands of Truck Drivers Taken Out of Service as English-Language Rules Are Enforced

Thousands of commercial truck drivers have been placed out of service in 2025 as federal regulators stepped up enforcement of long-standing English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements, according to statements from the U.S. Department of Transportation and inspection data referenced by industry reporting. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said roughly 9,500 drivers have been taken off the road after failing roadside inspections tied to English-language standards. The rule requires drivers to be able to read and understand highway signs, communicate with law enforcement, and complete essential safety documentation in English.

The enforcement is being carried out through FMCSA roadside inspections, where drivers who fail ELP checks can be immediately placed out of service. Inspection data tied to these violations shows a sharp increase in ELP-related out-of-service orders since mid-year, with totals climbing steadily as enforcement continued nationwide. Federal officials say the renewed focus is aimed at improving roadway safety and ensuring uniform compliance with existing regulations, while industry groups note the policy has removed thousands of drivers from the workforce during an already strained freight market.