New U.S. English Language Rule: What Canadian Drivers Need to Know

Jun 30

Effective June 25, 2025, the United States will begin strictly enforcing English language proficiency for all CDL drivers operating within U.S. borders - including those from Canada. Under this new policy, drivers who can’t meet the standard during a roadside inspection can be placed out of service immediately.

What’s Being Enforced?

This rule comes from 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), which has always required drivers to be able to:

Converse in English with DOT officers
Read and interpret road signs
Complete basic written documentation (e.g., inspection reports)

Until now, it wasn’t actively enforced. That’s changed.

Starting June 25, officers will begin testing drivers directly at the roadside - and failure could mean serious consequences.

How Are Drivers Being Tested?

Inspectors will use a two-step English proficiency check:

1. English Conversation

Officers will ask questions such as:

What’s your name?
Where are you going?
What are you hauling?
Who do you work for?

The driver must respond clearly in English, without the use of translators or mobile apps.

2. Highway Sign Recognition

Drivers will be shown common U.S. road signs (like “Merge,” “Yield,” “No U-turn”) and must accurately explain their meaning.

What Happens If a Driver Fails?

Immediate out-of-service (OOS) order - the truck is parked on the spot
First offense: Up to 90-day CDL disqualification
Second offense (within 10 years): Up to 1-year suspension
Carrier impact: Delayed loads, driver downtime, and compliance violations

What Carriers Should Do Now

We at ProTruck Solutions, recommend the following steps to stay ahead:

Review English basics and sign meanings with all U.S.-bound drivers
Use mock interviews or prep sheets to check conversation skills
Make sure dispatch and safety teams are aware of this rule
Document training or internal assessments for future audits

This new enforcement is already creating confusion at the roadside - especially for cross-border drivers. Make sure your team understands what’s expected and is prepared to respond clearly during inspections.

Don’t get caught off guard.
Stay compliant by staying ahead - and staying informed.

George Riashko