Lawmakers just introduced a new bill called Connor’s Law that would lock in English language requirements for commercial truck drivers across the country.
Why it matters: The bill would make it the law that all truckers with a CDL must have basic English skills. It's aimed at making sure every driver can read road signs and understand warnings while moving freight down the highway.
- If truckers can’t speak or read English well enough, they’d be taken off the road until they meet the standard.
- This proposal follows an executive order from President Trump in April, which brought back tougher rules on English proficiency for CDL holders.
- The bill is named for 18-year-old Connor Dzion, who died in a 2017 crash in Florida; authorities said the truck driver in that incident couldn’t read warning signs because of a language barrier.
Who’s backing it: The American Trucking Associations, Small Business in Transportation Coalition, and OOIDA all support the measure. OOIDA President Todd Spencer said, “Basic English skills are essential for reading critical road signs, understanding emergency instructions, and interacting with law enforcement.”
What’s new: Since the executive order, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance updated its North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria. Starting June 25, 2025, drivers who fail the English test can be placed out-of-service, according to CVSA.
The bottom line: Federal officials and industry groups want the rule set in stone, hoping it brings more clarity and safety for everyone traveling America’s highways.