Federal crash data shows commercial drivers with English language violations are involved in crashes at significantly higher rates. A recent analysis by Fusable’s MC Advantage found that motor carriers with English Language Proficiency (ELP) violations were involved in DOT-recordable crashes at nearly twice the national average. That rate outpaced even those associated with speeding or drug-and-alcohol violations.
MC Advantage reviewed Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) data for fleets with ELP, drug or speeding violations during the year leading up to June 1, 2024. Results showed a stronger correlation between ELP violations and crash involvement across small, medium and large fleets.
What did truckers and safety groups say?
Overdrive survey data shows widespread support for stricter enforcement of English language rules among drivers. In a May 2025 poll, 94% of respondents supported President Donald Trump’s ELP mandate. Many cited safety concerns, with one commenter writing that an 80,000-pound truck in the hands of a driver unable to read signs or communicate posed a “national security” risk.
Enforcement groups, including the American Trucking Associations, Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association and the Truck Safety Coalition, supported including ELP violations in the FMCSA’s out-of-service criteria.
Inspectors have reported avoiding vehicle inspections when unable to communicate with drivers. Safety advocates argue that roadside interactions, signage interpretation and emergency responses all require a working command of English.
How common are non-ELP drivers?
No exact figures exist, but estimates vary widely. In a 2023 report, FMCSA’s Women in Trucking Advisory Board found that 3.8% of drivers lacked sufficient English skills. However, 40% of Overdrive readers surveyed in 2025 estimated that the actual number exceeded 25%.
Many Overdrive respondents said they encountered drivers daily who lacked sufficient English to communicate on the job.
Survey responses included anecdotes ranging from helpful drivers with limited English to others who admitted having no flatbed experience and no way to ask for help. Truckers also reported language barriers with warehouse staff and dispatchers, complicating basic job functions. A handful of commenters said they, too, had limited English and worried about unfair roadside enforcement.
What is the impact of non-domiciled CDLs?
According to Overdrive, non-domiciled CDL issuance has spiked and it is often issued to foreign nationals. In early 2025, about 40% of CDLs issued in Illinois were non-domiciled. California also issues large numbers but does not report totals. Some drivers and commenters told Overdrive they believe non-domiciled CDLs are contributing to a rise in drivers with limited English fluency.
How is enforcement changing?
The Trump administration’s executive order reintroduced ELP violations as a reason to take drivers out of service. FMCSA issued new inspection guidance in 2025 to help roadside officers determine compliance.
Some drivers called for standardized testing, a clearinghouse to track ELP status and opportunities to return to work after meeting minimum standards. Others warned against overly broad enforcement or biased application by inspectors.
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Author: Cole Lauterbach
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