El Paso Matters is partnering with Gigafact to produce “fact briefs” that examine claims about issues shaping our community.
Yes.
To obtain an interstate commercial driver’s license in Texas to drive across state lines, truckers must be able to understand traffic signs and signals and “sufficiently” read and speak English, according to Texas Transportation Code.
If drivers are unable to communicate in English, they may be issued a restricted commercial license allowing them to operate intrastate – only within state boundaries.
In 2016, the Obama administration directed the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration not to put commercial drivers out of service for not meeting language requirements, which were established in 1997, the agency states.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order April 28, 2025, to enforce the English proficiency regulations for interstate truckers.
On May 20, 2025, the transportation secretary signed an order rescinding Obama’s policy effective June 25, 2025, that will put drivers out of service if FMCSA inspectors determine they do not meet English proficiency requirements.
This fact brief is responsive to conversations such as this one.
Sources
- Texas Transportation Code Section 522.023, page 16 | State Capital Digital Library
- Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration Commercial Driver’s License Program
- White House Fact Sheet President Donald J. Trump Enforces Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers
- U.S. Department of Transportation Transportation secretary signs order announcing new guidance to enforce English proficiency requirement for truckers
- FMCSA Press Release, April 28, 2025
- FMCSA CMV Order
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