FMCSA’s English Rule & Non-Domiciled CDLs: Why Canadians Should Care

Let’s keep it real - FMCSA’s cracking down again, and this time it’s hitting where a lot of fleets got lazy: English proficiency and non-domiciled CDLs.

The English rule isn’t new, it’s written right into 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2). That section says a commercial driver must be able to read and speak English well enough to talk with the public, understand traffic signs, respond to officers, and fill out reports.

Lately, inspectors have been enforcing it hard again. If your driver can’t hold a basic conversation at the scale, explain their log, or read a sign, they’re getting parked. No arguments, no “I didn’t know.”

At the same time, FMCSA dropped new rules tightening who can get or renew a U.S. non-domiciled CDL. Thousands of drivers are already being reviewed or removed, and the fallout is real.

Why it matters for Canadian carriers

Most Canadian drivers run on provincial CDLs recognized in the U.S., but this wave of enforcement still affects us. Expect longer border waits, more language checks, and stricter paperwork reviews.

If your team runs cross-border, now’s the time to:

• Coach drivers on roadside communication and inspection basics.

• Clean up driver files and make sure everyone’s documentation is spotless.

• Add buffer into ETAs - a few extra minutes can save you hours of downtime.

The message is simple: enforcement is catching up to rules that have always existed. If you’re compliant, you’ll move faster while everyone else scrambles.

If you want to stay up to date on FMCSA changes and industry regulations, join the ProTruck Community and stay ahead of the game.