On July 30, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that about 1,500 truck drivers have been taken off the road since late June because they did not meet English language requirements set by the federal government.

The details: This comes after a new rule made English language proficiency an official “out-of-service” violation for commercial drivers starting June 25. During inspections or stops, truck drivers now have to show they can read and speak English and understand road signs in English.

• The rule was pushed forward after an order from President Trump that told agencies to make sure drivers are tested on their English skills and to roll back previous guidance that allowed some leeway for drivers struggling with English.
• The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance added English proficiency as a reason to issue out-of-service orders, so drivers who do not meet the standard must park their trucks until they can pass the requirement.

What they're saying: Secretary Duffy posted, “Since I took action to enforce language proficiency requirements for truckers, our state partners have put roughly 1,500 unqualified drivers out-of-service. That’s what I call results! If you can’t read or speak our national language — ENGLISH — we won’t let your truck endanger the driving public.”

The rule is now active nationwide, and drivers who are unable to show English proficiency will be pulled from service until they can comply.