Nearly 10,000 commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders have lost their jobs due to new FMCSA regulations regarding English proficiency.
The new FMCSA requirements for CDL holders have introduced more scrutiny for commercial drivers in California and across the USA.
These changes, while designed to improve highway safety, have created challenges for truckers who depend on their CDLs to earn a living and avoid traffic tickets that can threaten their livelihood.
Tougher Standards for Non-Citizen CDL Holders
Federal regulators now require more documentation for non-citizen CDL holders, including proof of English proficiency.
The California DMV must confirm each driver’s identity, immigration status, and residency before renewing or issuing a CDL.
Under these updated FMCSA rules, the DMV currently cannot issue or renew limited-term or non-domiciled commercial licenses. Meanwhile, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has adjusted its inspection standards to align with federal regulations.
NOTE: “Until further notice, the California DMV cannot issue, reissue, or renew limited-term legal presence (non-domiciled) commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). Learn more here.”—The CA DMV online portal.
If a driver fails to meet English communication requirements, the CVSA and CHP will place the driver “Out-of-Service” until they can pass the English language proficiency for CDL holders test.
English Proficiency Enforcement on California Highways
FMCSA regulations require CDL holders to read and speak English well enough to communicate with law enforcement, understand road signs, and complete required documentation.
Failing to meet those standards can result in an out-of-service order or even driver disqualification. In LA County, CA, commercial drivers along Interstate 5, Interstate 10, and US Route 101 often face roadside stops by law enforcement where communication is key.
Those major routes connect the Port of Los Angeles and Long Beach Port — two of the largest shipping hubs in the country.
If a driver can’t effectively communicate during an inspection, they risk losing driving privileges temporarily, and in some cases, permanently, which can disrupt delivery schedules and carrier contracts.
English Proficiency Matters for CDL Holders’ Traffic Tickets
A lack of English proficiency can make handling traffic tickets even more difficult. Many commercial drivers accidentally plead guilty by paying fines because they don’t fully understand the legal process or court notices.
Even a single ticket for speeding, unsafe lane changes, or logbook violations can lead to:
- DMV NOTS points on a driving record
- FMCSA notifications and CSA severity points
- Possible FMCSA driver disqualifications after a second conviction
For professional drivers, those marks can lead to job loss or difficulties finding new employment. What’s more, scars on their PSP can hamper their ability to negotiate better pay and benefits.
Local Enforcement in LA County, CA
CHP officers throughout LA County frequently monitor I-5, I-10, US Route 101, and others for compliance with FMCSA and state rules. Roadside stops may include checking documentation, reviewing logbooks, and verifying that drivers can communicate effectively.
The CHP and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) have developed a test to determine English proficiency for CDL holders.
We’ve worked with drivers pulled over for minor misunderstandings that turned into citations due to communication barriers. A good traffic attorney can help clarify the situation and challenge weak evidence in traffic court.
Why Many Commercial Drivers Choose Bigger & Harman
We’ve been helping commercial drivers resolve traffic tickets for over a decade.
Our legal team understands FMCSA rules and how they affect California truckers and charter bus drivers.
Drivers turn to us because we offer:
- Free consultations and case evaluations.
- Familiarity with LA County court procedures and staff.
- Experience handling commercial-related violations.
- Commitment to protecting your driving record and career.
- Superb rating from Avvo
Take advantage of our free initial consultation before you decide how to resolve a commercial traffic ticket.
Consult Bigger & Harman About Commercial Traffic Tickets in LA County
Before paying a fine and admitting guilt for traffic tickets, CDL holders in LA County should speak with Bigger & Harman. Our firm handles commercial violations, including speeding, lane violations, logbook errors, and more.
We’ll review the evidence, request dismissal when possible, and negotiate reduced or no-point violations to protect your CDL.
We regularly appear in LA County traffic courts, such as Chatsworth/Valencia, Glendale, Inglewood, the Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse in Long Beach, and others.
Call Bigger & Harman at (661) 349-9300—marque 859-1177 para Español—or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com to schedule a free consultation. You can also reach us through our website’s secure contact form.
Your CDL is your livelihood. Let our team help you safeguard it.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: How much is the fine for a commercial traffic ticket in California?
A: The fine varies depending on the violation, but for CDL holders, penalties often impact their driving career more than a fine. When the CA DMV assesses NOTS points for traffic ticket convictions, it then is legally supposed to notify the FMCSA, which will add CSA severity points and record the infraction on your PSP record for up to three years, and five years for at-fault collisions.
Q: Why must CDL holders meet English proficiency requirements?
A: FMCSA requires drivers to read and speak English to communicate with law enforcement, read signs, and complete documentation. It’s a safety standard meant to prevent miscommunications and accidents on the road.
Q: Can a traffic attorney help CDL holders fight commercial traffic tickets?
A: An experienced and knowledgeable traffic attorney can challenge weak evidence, request dismissals, negotiate reduced or alternate no-point charges that keeps a commercial driver’s PSP record clean.
References:
The Presidential Executive Order (EO) concerning English language proficiency for CDL holders.
The CVSA North American Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC).
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.