The SAFE Drivers Act Puts Common Sense Back in the Driver’s Seat
If there’s one thing America agrees on, it’s that truckers keep this country running. They haul our food, our fuel, and everything in between. But lately, a new question has rolled into Washington — one that’s shaking up the industry and making everyone stop and think:
What if every commercial driver had to prove they could actually read and understand the road?
That’s the goal behind a new bill called the SAFE Drivers Act, and it’s sparking one of the most common-sense conversations the trucking world has had in years.
The Road Ahead Just Got Clearer
Let’s cut to the chase — the SAFE Drivers Act (Standardized Assessment for Fluency in English for Drivers) would create one nationwide English proficiency test for every commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicant and renewal.
The idea is simple: one test, one standard, one language of safety.
Right now, the rule technically already exists — federal law has required English proficiency for CDL holders since 1937. The problem? There’s no national test to enforce it. Each state defines “proficient” differently, and some states have taken that definition about as loosely as a bungee cord in a hurricane.
This bill, led by Rep. Pat Harrigan (R–N.C.), changes that. It directs the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to design and manage a uniform English exam that every state must use.
No shortcuts. No guesswork. No loopholes.
And if a state refuses? The U.S. Department of Transportation can withhold highway funding until they get in line.
That’s not just a suggestion — that’s incentive on 18 wheels.
When Safety Speaks, Everyone Should Understand
Rep. Harrigan didn’t sugarcoat it:
“If you can’t read ‘Bridge Out Ahead’ or communicate with a state trooper at a crash scene, you have no business driving an 80,000-pound truck on American highways.”
He’s not wrong. The bill’s co-sponsors, Reps. Troy Nehls (Texas) and Bob Onder (Missouri), agree that enforcing English proficiency isn’t about discrimination — it’s about defense. Defense against confusion, miscommunication, and preventable accidents.
It’s about protecting lives.
Because whether you’re hauling freight through Wyoming or backing into a dock in New Jersey, the road signs don’t switch languages. And when a law enforcement officer or emergency responder gives instructions, clarity isn’t optional — it’s critical.
The Industry Says, “Finally.”
The American Trucking Associations (ATA) and the North Carolina Trucking Association (NCTA) have both backed the bill, calling it a long-overdue fix to a decades-old problem.
The ATA stated plainly that reading road signs, following directions, and communicating with law enforcement are “vital to ensuring safety.” The NCTA echoed that sentiment, noting that while English proficiency has technically been required since Roosevelt was in office, enforcement has been “wildly inconsistent.”
This legislation, they said, would end the confusion once and for all — ensuring that every driver can read, write, and communicate well enough to do their job safely.
Why This Matters Now More Than Ever
If you’re wondering, “Why now?”, here’s your answer: FMCSA has already started tightening the screws on English proficiency enforcement.
As of mid-2025, drivers who can’t demonstrate basic English comprehension can be placed out of service during roadside inspections under the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Out-of-Service Criteria.
That means the truck doesn’t move.
No translator apps, no cue cards, no exceptions.
Inspectors now use a two-step process:
⭐ Step 1: An English-only conversation during inspection.
⭐ Step 2: A short assessment of the driver’s ability to understand U.S. road signs.
If a driver can’t complete those two steps, they’re parked until they can.
And that’s not all — according to recent reports, thousands of drivers have already been sidelined under these new assessments, causing ripple effects in supply chains across multiple states.
This isn’t a “someday” issue — it’s happening right now.
The Ripple Effect: Fleets, Listen Up
For fleet owners, HR directors, and compliance managers, this bill isn’t just a story — it’s a signal flare.
Companies can no longer afford to assume their drivers meet English proficiency standards. The FMCSA has made it clear: ignorance won’t be an excuse when violations hit your record.
That’s why proactive fleets are already conducting internal English assessments, updating training materials, and verifying driver communication skills before the state or feds do it for them.
Because when a driver can’t understand a dispatcher, or misreads a route closure, the price isn’t just downtime — it’s risk.
Safety gaps become compliance gaps. Compliance gaps become fines.
And fines? Well, they become headlines.
How Eclipse DOT Helps Fleets Stay Ahead
At Eclipse DOT, we’ve been saying it for years — compliance isn’t about paperwork; it’s about people.
Rules only work when your team understands them. And safety only sticks when communication is clear.
That’s why Eclipse DOT works with companies across the country to make compliance effortless, organized, and real-world ready. Here’s how we help:
⭐ Free DOT Micro Audits — We’ll review your compliance systems and identify gaps before an auditor ever does.
⭐ DOTDocs.com — Our digital compliance platform organizes your driver files, training documents, and inspection records in one secure place — no binders, no chaos.
⭐ Customized Training Programs — We train your drivers, managers, and compliance officers to understand the “why” behind every rule, not just the “what.”
⭐ Mock Audits & Fleet Coaching — We prepare your team for real inspections, walking you through exactly what the FMCSA and CVSA look for.
Because when you run your fleet like a professional, regulators take notice — and so do your clients.
Eclipse DOT doesn’t just help you stay compliant; we help you lead.
Clarity, Compliance, and Common Sense
Let’s be honest — this bill isn’t about language barriers. It’s about raising the bar.
When every driver on the road can understand instructions, communicate with officers, and report issues clearly, the entire industry wins.
Safety improves.
Violations drop.
And trust in the profession grows.
The SAFE Drivers Act may still be making its way through Congress, but its message is already here:
It’s time to get back to basics. Read the sign. Understand the rule. Drive like a pro.
The Bottom Line
Whether this bill passes or not, one thing’s clear — the road ahead belongs to the companies that stay ahead.
The fleets that invest in clarity, communication, and culture won’t just survive the next wave of regulations — they’ll dominate it.
At EclipseDOT, we make that possible.
So before the FMCSA shows up with questions, let’s make sure you already have the answers.
📞 Schedule your FREE DOT Micro Audit today and let’s make compliance effortless, organized, and bulletproof.
👉 Visit EclipseDOT.com to get started — because safety isn’t just about checking boxes.
It’s about knowing what the sign says before you ever reach it.