California Governor Gavin Newsom has agreed to require English language proficiency testing for commercial truck and bus drivers, marking a significant policy shift after months of resistance to federal pressure. The change follows escalating action from the U.S. Department of Transportation, which withheld more than $40 million in federal transportation funding beginning in October and warned that an additional $160 million could be suspended if the state did not comply with federal standards. The dispute centered on enforcement of a long-standing federal requirement that commercial drivers be able to read and speak English sufficiently to understand road signs and communicate with officials. California had previously allowed commercial driver’s license exams to be administered in multiple languages, offering testing in as many as 20. Federal officials argued that this practice undermined uniform safety expectations and created inconsistencies in enforcement. The funding standoff ultimately compelled state leaders to align more closely with federal interpretation of the law, illustrating how financial leverage can influence state-level regulatory decisions when public safety is at issue.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy publicly defended the department’s actions, rejecting accusations that the move was politically motivated. He stated that federal authorities should not have had to threaten funding cuts to secure compliance with standards that have long existed in statute. According to Duffy, the core issue is straightforward: drivers operating large commercial vehicles must be capable of reading traffic signs, understanding safety warnings, and communicating clearly with law enforcement during inspections or emergencies. Under the updated enforcement policy, all commercial driver’s license examinations for truck and bus operators in California will now be conducted exclusively in English. Federal law has required English proficiency for decades, but enforcement has varied among states. While some jurisdictions moved toward stricter compliance earlier, others permitted third-party testing vendors to administer exams in different languages. Duffy noted that in certain cases, contractors failed to consistently uphold federal language standards, creating potential gaps in oversight. By contrast, states such as Florida have already implemented English-only CDL testing, a model federal officials point to as evidence that compliance is feasible without disrupting the industry.

The renewed focus on language enforcement comes amid heightened scrutiny of trucking safety nationwide. Federal regulators intensified oversight after several high-profile crashes raised questions about driver qualifications and regulatory enforcement. In one fatal incident in Florida last August, a foreign truck driver allegedly executed an illegal U-turn, triggering a collision that resulted in three deaths. Officials later stated that the driver was not authorized to be in the United States. Another tragic crash in Indiana earlier this month claimed the lives of four members of an Amish community, further amplifying concerns about safety standards and oversight. In response, the federal government launched a large-scale enforcement initiative that included 8,215 roadside inspections. Nearly 500 drivers were disqualified for failing to meet English proficiency requirements during that operation. California alone recently removed more than 600 drivers from service due to language-related violations. Federal authorities emphasize that drivers who cannot effectively communicate are required to be placed out of service until they meet standards, as miscommunication during inspections or emergencies can have life-threatening consequences.

Beyond language proficiency, federal regulators are expanding efforts to address broader weaknesses within the commercial trucking sector. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has increased scrutiny of driving schools and carrier registration practices. Recently, the agency announced that 557 driving schools failed to meet baseline safety criteria and should close. Officials argue that inconsistent oversight has allowed underqualified drivers to obtain credentials and operate heavy vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds. Additionally, regulators are targeting so-called “chameleon carriers,” companies that repeatedly register under new names to evade penalties following crashes or safety violations. Current registration requirements allow trucking companies to register for approximately $300 with proof of insurance, and some may not undergo a full compliance audit for a year or longer. In some cases, audits are conducted virtually rather than in person, raising questions about thoroughness. Federal authorities now plan to tighten registration procedures, strengthen identity verification measures, and increase spot inspections to prevent unsafe operators from exploiting administrative loopholes.

Industry representatives acknowledge that enforcement gaps have existed. The American Trucking Associations, which represents major carriers, has expressed concern about insufficient intervention against unsafe operators. Chief operating officer Dan Horvath stated that weak and inconsistent enforcement has allowed problematic motor carriers to remain active longer than they should. According to industry leaders, stronger oversight could level the playing field by ensuring that companies investing in compliance are not undercut by competitors cutting corners. Following the Indiana crash, federal authorities placed the driver’s employer out of service and revoked Department of Transportation registration numbers for affiliated companies, including Tutash Express and Sam Express. The Aydana driving school attended by the driver also lost its certification. These actions reflect a broader federal strategy aimed at reinforcing accountability at every level of the trucking ecosystem—from driver training and licensing to company registration and ongoing compliance monitoring. Federal officials argue that when Americans share the road with heavy commercial vehicles, they should have confidence that drivers are properly trained, qualified, and capable of communicating effectively to maintain public safety.