The English language Executive Order signed by President Trump on April 28, 2025, directly impacts commercial driversin Roseville in Placer County, CA, and across the USA.
While this may not seem like a major shift, it reverses nearly a decade of relaxed enforcement—and that could mean serious problems during roadside inspections and law enforcement (LE) stops.
What’s in the English Language Executive Order?
This order directs the FMCSA to revoke the 2016 memo that allowed interpreters and smartphone apps during inspections. That memo had made it easier for drivers with limited English to pass inspections. But that’s over.
The English language Executive Order now mandates new enforcement policies under 49 CFR 391.11(b)(2), General Qualifications of Drivers.
The DOT FMCSA will issue new inspection guidelines requiring officers to place drivers out of service if they cannot meet English language proficiency standards.
The CVSA responded quickly. As of May 1, 2025, English proficiency is officially part of its Out-of-Service criteria. This means that if a driver can’t communicate clearly in English during a stop, they may be taken off the road immediately.
Dispute Commercial Traffic Violations in Roseville, CA
This new policy affects more than just drivers.
Independent drivers and fleet managers must take a hard look at their teams. A driver pulled over on I-80, for whatever reason, such as speeding, unsafe lane changes, tailgating, and others, could cause major disruptions if found noncompliant.
We’ve seen this firsthand. Another driver isn’t available. The load gets delayed. Your timeline, customer, and Safety Measurement System percentile all take a hit.
To stay ahead, managers should evaluate their drivers’ communication skills. Set up internal training or mandate English language training and use if needed. It’s far easier to prepare than to recover after a violation.
If your driver has been placed out of service—or cited for failure to comply—reach out to us. Our team at Bigger & Harman understands FMCSA compliance and how to dispute commercial traffic violations efficiently.
We serve CDL drivers and trucking companies throughout California. From misinterpreted roadside stops to complex CSA issues, we fight to protect your license, record, and livelihood.
Bigger & Harman’s Placer County attorneys know how local enforcement works and how to challenge unfair citations. Let us help reduce your ticket to a non-moving violation or get it dismissed.
An overly aggressive LE might wrongly ticket a non-citizen or green card holder.
Don’t let a language misunderstanding sideline your operation. Call us now for a free consultation and get the legal help your team deserves.
Ask Bigger & Harman: How Will President Trump’s English Language Executive Order Affect Commercial Drivers in Roseville, CA
If you received a CDL traffic ticket that needs resolution in Roseville Courthouse in Placer County, call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com or use the convenient online contact form.
References:
The CVSA article dated May 1, 2025, CVSA to Add English Language Proficiency to Its Out-of-Service Criteria.
FMCSA CFR 49 Part 391.11, General Qualifications of Drivers.
FMCSA CFR 49 Part 383.51, Driver Disqualifications.
FMCSA CFR 49 Part 383.31, Notification of Convictions for Driver Violations.