FMCSA Puts Non-English-Speaking Truck Drivers Out of Service for Safety
Published Date: 8/10/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FMCSA wants to make sure truck drivers who don’t speak English well enough can be taken out of service to keep roads safer. This change affects all commercial drivers and aligns rules with current safety checks, making enforcement clearer and fairer. Comments on this proposal are open until October 9, 2026, with no new costs expected for drivers or companies.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
English-Proficiency Can Put Drivers OOS
If you drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce, FMCSA proposes that failing the English language proficiency (ELP) requirement in 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2) would result in you being placed out-of-service (OOS). The rule keeps a limited exception for drivers inspected inside U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones only when the driver's current trip would not involve transportation in the United States outside those zones. Comments are due October 9, 2026.
Motor Carrier Compliance Costs Estimated $14.4M
FMCSA estimates this revision would result in approximately $14.4 million in annual costs for motor carriers. The agency observed 60,399 ELP violations between June 25, 2025 and March 19, 2026 (19,045 of which resulted in OOS orders), and estimates about 9,000 drivers annually in border commercial zones would receive both an ELP violation and an OOS order under the proposal.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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