HYDE-SMITH COSPONSORS BILL MANDATING ENGLISH PROFICIENCY FOR COMMERCIAL VEHICLE OPERATORS
English Comprehension Requirement for CMV Drivers Intended to Enhance Roadway Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) this week joined U.S. Senator Roger Marshall, M.D. (R-Kan.) in introducing legislation requiring those applying to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to be tested for English proficiency before receiving a CMV license.
The Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act (S.2114) would enhance road safety requirements for both professional truck drivers and everyday motorists.
“English proficiency for commercial truck drivers isn’t just practical, it can be a matter of life and death. The unwillingness of previous administrations to enforce this commonsense regulation undermines roadway safety and puts all drivers at risk,” said Senator Hyde-Smith, chair of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Subcommittee. “I’m proud to work with Senator Marshall to restore this critical safety standard. This legislation is a straightforward, sensible step that will make our roads and highways safer for everyone.”
“Common sense would tell us that anyone driving on American roads, especially those operating large trucks and trailers, should be capable of understanding what the road signs say or how to communicate with police,” said Senator Marshall. “Kansans deserve to know that commercial operators are held to the highest safety standards. I am proud to introduce legislation that ensures those driving the largest vehicles on the road can understand the official language of America: English.”
The Commercial Motor Vehicle English Proficiency Act would require all CMV applicants to be tested on their ability to read and understand traffic signs, communicate in English with law enforcement, and provide and receive feedback and directions in English. The legislation also prohibits these tests from being administered in languages other than English.
S.2114, which is also cosponsored by U.S. Senator John Barrasso (R-Wyo.) builds on President Trump’s executive order to enhance enforcement of English language requirements for drivers on the road and rescind Obama-era guidance relaxing the enforcement of these requirements.
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