As we move into 2026, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators and business owners in transportation and logistics face an evolving enforcement landscape for English language proficiency (ELP) among commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. Although federal regulations requiring drivers to “read and speak the English language sufficiently” have existed for years under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2), renewed focus and enforcement have raised the stakes for carriers and operators nationwide. CVSA
In 2025, a federal executive order and subsequent guidance directed the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and commercial vehicle inspectors to reinforce this long-standing safety requirement. Beginning June 25, 2025, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) added English proficiency to the North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, meaning drivers who cannot demonstrate sufficient English may be placed out of service during roadside inspections. CVSA
This renewed enforcement effort has been significant: thousands of ELP violations have been documented during roadside inspections, and a substantial number of drivers have been cited or taken out of service for failing to meet English language standards. CDLLife
For business owners and fleet managers, these changes have clear compliance implications in 2026:
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Driver Screening & Qualification: Carriers must integrate English language proficiency assessments into hiring and qualification protocols. FMCSA guidance recommends structured driver interviews and sign comprehension checks to determine whether a driver can meet regulatory expectations without translation aids. FMCSA
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Documentation & Records: Maintaining clear documentation of English proficiency assessments in driver qualification files is essential. This includes demonstrating that the driver can read highway signs, understand instructions, and communicate effectively with law enforcement or inspectors.
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Training & Support: Where gaps are identified, businesses should consider resources—such as language support tools or training programs—to help drivers build proficiency and comply with standards.
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Inspection Preparedness: Drivers who cannot demonstrate sufficient English during inspections risk being placed out of service, which can disrupt operations and affect scheduling. Proactive assessment and readiness reduce the likelihood of unexpected removals.
While the underlying regulation is not new, the emphasis on enforcement in 2025 and into 2026 signals that carriers must treat ELP compliance as a core safety and operational requirement. Incorporating these standards into hiring, training, and compliance workflows helps protect your workforce, avoid roadside disruptions, and align with federal safety expectations in the year ahead.
