There’s been a big regulatory shift in 2025 that all professional truck drivers should know about — and it’s already affecting roadside inspections across the country.

As of June 25, 2025, inspectors can now place a driver outof service if they determine that the driver cannot speak or read English well enough to operate a commercial vehicle safely. The new enforcement comes from updated guidance by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), which made English proficiency part of the official North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria.

What’s changing

The English requirement isn’t new — it’s been part of 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2) for years. What’s new is active enforcement. Inspectors will now start every inspection in English. If they see signs that a driver doesn’t understand, they’ll perform a two-step test:

1. A short English conversation. You’ll be asked to answer basic questions in English — no interpreters or translation apps allowed.
2. A sign-recognition test. You may need to explain what common U.S. road signs mean in English.

If a driver can’t complete these steps, the inspector can place them out of service immediately, meaning they’ll have to park until theissue is resolved.

Why it matters

Even if your equipment, logs, and paperwork are perfect,English-language issues could still take you off the road. That means delays,missed loads, and lost pay — not to mention added stress.

The rule exists for safety reasons: drivers need to be ableto understand signs, communicate with law enforcement, and complete inspection or shipping paperwork correctly. Regulators are now making sure everyone on the road meets that standard.

How to stay ready

Carter Express wants every driver to feel confident and prepared before a roadside inspection. Here’s how you can stay in compliance and keep your wheels turning:

• Practice English communication. Be comfortable explaining your route, log book, and bill of lading details in English.
• Review common road signs. Make sure you know the meaning of standard signs like “Bridge Weight Limit,” “No Passing Zone,” and “Detour Ahead.”
• Don’t rely on translation tools. During an inspection, inspectors expect direct communication in English.
• Ask for help early. If you’d like extra language support or resources, reach out — Carter Express will help connect you with training materials to strengthen your skills.

What you might be asked

Inspectors may ask simple questions like:

• “Where are you coming from and where are you going?”
• “How many hours have you been driving today?”
• “What does this sign mean?”

Clear, confident answers in English show inspectors you meet the requirement and are ready to roll.

The bottom line

These new enforcement efforts are here to stay, and it’s important for every driver to be prepared. Carter Express is committed to helping you stay safe, compliant, and confident behind the wheel — because every mile matters when you’re keeping America moving.

If you’re looking for a carrier that values safety, professionalism, and driver support every step of the way, join the Carter Express team. We’re always looking for skilled CDL-A drivers who want steady miles, reliable home time, and a company that’s got their back — on the road and beyond.

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