The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) started enforcing English proficiency to out-of-service order criteria 25 June 2025, in line with the President’s Executive Order (EO) #14224 of 1 March 2025.
English proficiency and out-of-service order criteria changes are coming fast for commercial drivers.
If you're pulled over on Interstate 5 near Woodland in Yolo County, CA, here's what you can expect.
NOTE: Starting 10 June 2025, the DMV is accepting Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) renewals online.
New Enforcement English Proficiency & Out-of-Service Orders Start 25 June 2025
Beginning 25 June, CVSA inspectors or CHP will assess truckers’ ability to speak and understand English.
Drivers failing these assessments can be given an out-of-service order immediately—no exceptions.
Why Is This Happening Now?
The change supports a presidential order and a transportation mandate from Secretary Sean Duffy.
Although the law has existed, full enforcement was delayed nearly a decade.
CVSA’s board finally added English proficiency to its official out-of-service order criteria.
What Inspectors Are Looking For
Expect all roadside inspections to be conducted in English only.
If an officer suspects a driver can't understand, they’ll initiate a language proficiency test.
That starts with a conversation, followed by evaluating the driver’s understanding of highway signs.
Inspector Guidelines & What They Can't Use
According to FMCSA, drivers and inspectors cannot use tools like:
I-Speak cards
Cue cards
Smartphone apps
Telephone interpretation services
These, they say, can hide a “driver’s inability to speak English.”
Instead, enforcement depends on live dialogue and in-person observation.
Highway Sign Recognition Could Follow
If a driver gets past the first phase, they may face a second.
That includes reading dynamic message signs and interpreting typical U.S. road signs—all in English.
Penalties for Failing the English Proficiency Test
Failing this test could mean an immediate out-of-service order. Once placed out-of-service, drivers must be advised of the severe consequences of driving before the condition is remedied.
The first offense for driving while under an out-of-service order is an automatic, minimum 90-day up to one year driver disqualification.
Inspectors must document the issue clearly—missed responses, miscommunications, and failed sign recognition.
The Law Behind the Change
FMCSA guidance states a driver must:
Speak with the public
Understand English road signs
Respond to roadside inspectors and other official’s questions
Make written entries in records
If they can’t, they're not qualified to drive in interstate commerce.
English Proficiency and Out-of-Service Order Criteria Enforcement Ramps Up
FMCSA Deputy Philip Thomas circulated a memo called “Updated Internal Agency Enforcement Policy—English Language Proficiency.”
It mandates federal inspectors disqualify CMV drivers unable to communicate in English.
Consult One of Bigger & Harman’s Yolo County Traffic Attorneys
A citation for poor English proficiency can devastate a trucking career.
We know how stressful that is—especially when you were never properly tested or warned.
If you were cited near Sacramento on Interstate 5, reach out today.
We may be able to:
Challenge the validity of the roadside interview
Identify procedural mistakes
Reduce the charge or get it dismissed
Help you protect your CDL and your future
We fight traffic violations for commercial drivers frequently in Woodland and throughout Yolo County.
We understand the unique challenges non-native English speakers face.
Let us help you stay on the road.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
Ask Bigger & Harman About English Proficiency and Out-of-Service Orders in Woodland, CA
If you have been inappropriately cited for poor or insufficient English proficiency, call Bigger & Harman, APC, for a free initial consultation at (661) 349-9300—Se habla Español 349-9755. Our team can also handle Punjab calls!
The importance of challenging your English language proficiency in court comes down to getting you back in the drivers seat.
You will remain under an out-of-service order until the deficiency is corrected or proven false.
Although we can’t guarantee successful results, we have been able to get hundreds of commercial vehicle violations reduced or dismissed. Bring us your CA traffic tickets for resolution.
Remember, when cited for “lacking English speaking and comprehension skills must document all supporting evidence, such as a driver’s responses or communication failures.”
If you challenge the citation in court, it becomes the judge’s responsibility to evaluate the ticketing officer’s assessment.
Email us at attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com, or use our convenient contact form.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: Can I lose my CDL and livelihood for poor English language proficiency?
A: Not directly, but being placed out-of-service means you can’t drive a commercial vehicle until you remedy the condition you were put out-of-service for, and this could keep you off the road for months and hurt your employability. Every English Second Language (ESL) commercial driver should work daily to improve their skills.
Q: Do I need to speak perfect English to pass the test?
A: No. But you must communicate clearly and understand traffic signs during roadside inspections and stops.
Q: What should I do if I’m cited for poor English proficiency?
A: Call a CDL traffic attorney immediately. We can review your case and sometimes challenge improper enforcement.
References:
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The Transport Topics article, CVSA to Enforce English Tests for Truck Drivers Starting June 25.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.
The President of the United States (POTUS) Executive Order, Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers.