U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith has joined forces with U.S. Senator Roger Marshall to introduce a bill aimed at enforcing English proficiency among commercial motor vehicle operators. The proposed legislation, known as the Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act (S.2114), seeks to mandate English language testing for individuals applying for a commercial motor vehicle license.
Senator Hyde-Smith emphasized the importance of this measure for road safety, stating, “English proficiency for commercial truck drivers isn’t just practical, it can be a matter of life and death.” She criticized previous administrations for not enforcing this regulation and expressed her commitment to reinstating what she views as a critical safety standard. “This legislation is a straightforward, sensible step that will make our roads and highways safer for everyone,” she added.
Senator Marshall echoed these sentiments by highlighting the necessity of understanding road signs and communicating effectively with law enforcement. He remarked, “Common sense would tell us that anyone driving on American roads, especially those operating large trucks and trailers, should be capable of understanding what the road signs say or how to communicate with police.”
The bill outlines requirements for CMV applicants to demonstrate their ability to read traffic signs, engage in communication with law enforcement officers in English, and handle directions in English. It also specifies that tests must be conducted exclusively in English.
The legislation is co-sponsored by U.S. Senator John Barrasso and builds on an executive order from President Trump aimed at reinforcing English language requirements for drivers while rescinding previous guidance that relaxed these standards.
