DRIVERS in a US state have shared mixed views over a new proficiency law that’s forcing them to take a test.
Worse still, failing the test can lead to a hefty fine and even job loss.
According to CBS News, truck drivers are under increasing pressure to demonstrate their English proficiency under a new executive order signed by President Donald Trump.
Issued on Monday, the ruling requires all truckers using U.S. highways to be able to read traffic signs and communicate with law enforcement and safety officials.
The law defines “proficiency” as the ability to understand road signage and interact with agencies such as traffic safety departments, border patrol, and checkpoints.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, drivers who fail to meet the standard could be pulled from service, with enforcement set to begin in approximately 60 days.
Speaking to CBS, one driver, Russell Rocha, who has 17 years of experience, supports the rule.
He said: “If you can’t read or understand a certain sign, that’s a little dangerous—it could affect all of us.”
However, many disagree with the law, including Yoman Rivera, another trucker with 15 years on the road.
“It’s an awful law,” he said. “I never had an issue with English.”
The nationwide law was introduced by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy after a number of fatal crashes were linked to drivers’ language barriers.
“There are documented cases where drivers’ inability to read signs and speak the language may have contributed to a series of fatal accidents,” Duffy said.
Known as the official Act 604, it will mean those behind the wheel will be now required to have adequate proficiency in English – with four different quotas needing to be fulfilled.
The first is that the individual must be able to converse with the general public.
Law enforcement will also be looking for an understanding of highway traffic signs and signals.
Another determining factor will be the ability to respond to official inquiries.
Drivers will also be expected to make entries on reports and records.
Any truck driver not demonstrating all four could be hit with a $500 fine – and this rises to $1,000 for all subsequent offenses.
Sherry Fairchild, who has driven trucks for six years, believes the rule could push many drivers out of the industry.
She added, “It depends on how many people are affected and how many decide to exit the industry because of this.”
Rivera voiced similar concerns, saying, “The consumer is the one who will suffer.”
Rocha agreed, claiming shipments could end up being delayed if drivers are sidelined.
New driving laws in 2025
Drivers across the United States are having to adjust to a slew of new road rules that take effect in 2025. Some of those include:
Daylighting law prohibiting drivers from parking their cars within 20 feet of any crosswalk in California Stricter street racing penalties in California Changes to car seat age and weight requirements in Colorado Fines for failing to follow designated enter and exit areas for express lanes in Colorado Bans on handheld devices while driving in Colorado and Missouri Drivers allowed to have a digital copy of their license on their cell phones in Illinois Yield right of way to emergency vehicles in Illinois Drivers required to take a vision test to renew licenses in Kentucky School bus safety law in Oregon Vehicle safety inspections scrapped in Texas Read More Details
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