Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Consequences for California’s Failure to Enforce English Language Requirements for Truckers - DOT Newsroom Release - October 15, 2025

Sep 18, 2026

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U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced the FMCSA will withhold more than $40 million from California after an investigation found the state failed to meet the Department’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The announcement cites that California did not adopt compatible ELP requirements during roadside inspections and also references withdrawal of approval for California’s FY24 and FY25 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan effective October 15, 2025.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

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Pages2

Reading Time5 min

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Newsroom Release

FMCSA Funding Withholding

ELP Standards and Roadside Inspections

Withdrawal of FY24 and FY25 Plan Approval

An o{icial website of the United States government Here's how you know ⌄ 􀇜 Portions of the Department of Transportation are currently in shutdown/furlough status due to a lapse in appropriations. Please continue to monitor this page for updateson DOTʼs operating status. Home \ Newsroom In This Section + Media Contact Press O{ice US Department of Transportation 1200 New Jersey Ave, SE Washington, DC 20590 United States Email: [presso{ice@dot.gov](presso{ice@dot.gov) [Phone:](Phone: 1)[ ](Phone: 1)[1](Phone: 1) (202) 366-4570 􀇽 If you are deaf, hard of hearing, or have a speech disability, please dial 7-1-1 to access telecommunications relay services. Trump’s Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy Announces Consequences for California’s Failure to Enforce English Language Requirements for Truckers Wednesday, October 15, 2025 California is the only state to not comply with the Department ʼs ELP Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers WASHINGTON, D.C.– U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Du{y today announced that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA) will withhold over $40 million from California following an investigation that found the state has failed to comply with the Departmentʼs English Language Proficiency ( ELP) standards. “I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration ʼs English language requirements or the checks stop coming. California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America ʼs road,”said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Du{y. In total, $40,685,225 from Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program ( MCSAP) funding awarded to California will be impacted. MCSAP provides grant funding for states to conduct roadside inspections, tra{ic enforcement, safety audits of trucking companies, and public education campaigns. “Let me be clear – this is valuable money that should be going to the great men and women in California law enforcement, who we support. Gov. Newsom ʼs insistence on obstructing federal law has tied my hands,”the Secretary added. For FMCSA to restore funding, California must adopt and actively enforce a law, regulation, standard, or order that is compatible with the federal ELP requirement for commercial drivers. This means state inspectors need to begin conducting ELP assessments during roadside inspections and place those who fail out-of-service. Additional Information: To remain eligible for MCSAP funding, states must adopt and enforce laws, regulations, standards, and orders on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety that are compatible with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations ( FMCSRs) in 49 CFR parts 390, 391, 392, 393, 395, 396, and 397. 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2) states, a person is qualified to drive a motor vehicle if he/she,“Can read and speak the English language su{iciently to converse with the general public, to understand highway tra{ic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to o{icial inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.” FMCSA has determined that California has not adopted a compatible law, regulation, standard, or order to implement the English language standard in 49 CFR § 391 .11(b)(2) . Therefore, pursuant to 49 CFR § 350.231, FMCSA is withdrawing approval of Californiaʼs FY24 and FY25 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan e{ective October 15, 2025. Therefore, no expenses incurred a|er October 15, 2025, and vouchered for reimbursement from FY24 or FY25 MCSAP funding will be approved and paid. On August 26, 2025, the Department announced California was among states in danger of losing federal funds if they failed to adopt and enforce ELP requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers. In July, California Highway Patrol has also publicly stated it had no intention of following this important fede

FAQs

What did FMCSA determine regarding California’s English Language Proficiency requirements?

FMCSA determined California failed to comply with the Department’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers and did not adopt a compatible law or order implementing the federal requirement.

How much funding will be withheld from California, and under which program?

FMCSA will withhold over $40 million, totaling $40,685,225, from Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) funding awarded to California.

What must California do to restore MCSAP funding?

California must adopt and actively enforce a compatible law, regulation, standard, or order so state inspectors begin conducting ELP assessments during roadside inspections and place those who fail out-of-service.

Sep 18, 2026

Uploaded by Stanley