Picture this: you’re rolling down the highway, kids fighting in the backseat, radio blasting your favorite classic rock. Out of nowhere, a semi makes an illegal U-turn right in front of you. You slam the brakes, but it’s too late. That’s not just bad luck—it’s the result of someone driving a massive rig who couldn’t understand the rules of the road.
That’s exactly the nightmare U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says must end. And he’s putting $50.5 million on the line to make it happen.
The 30-Day Ultimatum
On August 26, Duffy gave California, Washington, and New Mexico a blunt warning: enforce English Language Proficiency (ELP) rules for commercial drivers within 30 days—or lose every dollar of their federal Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) funding.
Here’s what’s at stake:
⭐ California: $33 million
⭐ Washington: $10.5 million
⭐ New Mexico: $7 million
“This isn’t about punishment—it’s about compliance,” Duffy said. “We are not going to tolerate states that don’t comply with the rules that come from this department.”
Translation: fix it, or the funding disappears.
Why English Proficiency Matters
The ELP requirement isn’t new—it’s been in federal law for years. But Duffy ordered a renewed crackdown earlier this year after what he called “serious lapses” in enforcement.
The point is simple: truck drivers must be able to…
⭐ Read and understand road signs.
⭐ Follow safety instructions.
⭐ Communicate clearly with law enforcement during inspections or emergencies.
When those things don’t happen, the result isn’t just confusion—it can be deadly.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
FMCSA Chief Counsel Jesse Elison said the failures weren’t minor—they were “significant.” Here’s what federal investigators found:
📍 California: Out of more than 34,000 inspections, only one driver was placed out of service for ELP. At least 23 drivers flagged elsewhere were allowed to keep driving in the state.
📍 New Mexico: Adopted the ELP rule but never enforced it. Zero drivers placed out of service. Seven drivers already caught in other states? Yep—they kept on trucking.
📍 Washington: Over 6,000 inspections identified ELP violations, but only four drivers were removed. In some cases, drivers were written citations but allowed to continue driving.
A Fatal Crash That Proved the Point
On August 12, tragedy struck in Florida. Harjinder Singh, an Indian national holding a limited-term CDL from California, made an illegal U-turn in his truck. A minivan slammed into the semi, killing three people.
Afterward, Singh failed both his English-speaking and road sign recognition tests. He’d already been cited for speeding in New Mexico just weeks earlier.
Yet he was still behind the wheel.
This crash, Duffy said, is proof of why the ELP rule exists: it’s about protecting lives, not filling out paperwork.
States Push Back, Trucking Industry Responds
California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office blasted Duffy’s ultimatum as “nonsense” and political blame-shifting. Washington’s Attorney General’s office said they’re “consulting with state agencies.”
But not everyone is crying foul. The American Trucking Associations praised the crackdown as “a necessary and welcome step.” ATA President Chris Spear said, “The vast majority of professional drivers already meet these requirements and take pride in keeping America safe. But letting bad actors bypass the law threatens the credibility of the entire system.”
Raising the Bar Even Higher
Duffy also floated tying ELP directly into behind-the-wheel CDL testing. That would mean no one could earn a CDL without first proving they can read signs, follow instructions, and communicate in English.
That would slam the door shut on states that look the other way.
Why Fleets Should Care
If you’re managing a fleet, here’s why this matters: once states start cracking down, it won’t be governors feeling the heat—it’ll be businesses.
If your drivers can’t pass English standards, you could be staring down:
⭐ Failed inspections
⭐ Out-of-service orders
⭐ Lost contracts
⭐ Higher insurance rates
⭐ Lawsuits that drain your business
In short: compliance isn’t just a state issue—it’s a company survival issue.
How Eclipse DOT Helps You Stay Ahead
This is where Eclipse DOT steps in. We know the rules inside and out—and more importantly, we know how to get your company ready before the inspectors show up. Here’s how:
⭐ DOTDocs: Your compliance cabinet in the cloud. Every driver file, every record, ready for inspection. No more scrambling.
⭐ Mock Audits: We walk through your files the way DOT would—so you can fix problems before they cost you contracts, fines, or your reputation.
⭐ Training Programs: From ELP prep to CDL compliance, we train your team to pass the test and stay on the road.
⭐ Free Micro Audits: Not sure where you stand? We’ll give you a quick pulse check—for free.
At Eclipse DOT, we make compliance effortless so you can focus on moving freight, not paperwork.
Final Word
English proficiency isn’t about politics—it’s about keeping roads safe. And with $50.5 million on the line, California, Washington, and New Mexico have a decision to make.
The real question is this: if DOT showed up in your yard tomorrow, could you confidently say your drivers meet the ELP standard?
If not, Eclipse DOT can help you fix it before the hammer falls.
📞 Schedule your free DOT micro audit with Eclipse DOT today. Don’t gamble with compliance—get it right, right now.