Federal Funding at Risk for Three States Over Truck Driver English Requirements

California, Washington, and New Mexico are facing the potential loss of millions in federal funding due to inadequate enforcement of English language proficiency requirements for truck drivers. This warning comes from Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, following an investigation that was spurred by a tragic crash in Florida involving a foreign truck driver.

Investigation Findings Highlight State Failures

The investigation revealed significant lapses in policy enforcement in the three states, particularly concerning rules implemented in June following an executive order from former President Donald Trump. Duffy emphasized that truckers should be disqualified if they cannot demonstrate proficiency in English, crucial for communicating with law enforcement during roadside checks or accidents.

“We all use the roadway, and we need to make sure that those who are driving big rigs can understand the road signs and have been well-trained,” Duffy stated, framing the issue primarily as a safety concern rather than a political one.

Compliance Statistics Raise Alarms

According to the Transportation Department, California has conducted approximately 34,000 inspections since the new language standards were put in place; however, only one resulted in a violation related to English proficiency. Alarmingly, 23 drivers with violations in other states were permitted to keep driving after inspections in California.

Similar statistics emerged from Washington and New Mexico, with Washington conducting over 6,000 inspections yet pulling only four drivers from service for English-related violations, while New Mexico has not disqualified any drivers since the rules took effect.

Financial Consequences Loom

Duffy announced that California stands to lose approximately $33 million, Washington $10.5 million, and New Mexico $7 million from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program unless they take immediate action to rectify non-compliance within 30 days.

Political Responses to Funding Threat

The situation has sparked inter-state political tensions, particularly between California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida officials. Newsom’s office publicly criticized the Trump administration for attempting to shift blame after the tragic crash, asserting, “This is rich… Sean’s nonsense announcement is as big a joke as the Trump Administration itself.”

In response, spokespeople from New Mexico emphasized that their licensing process includes mandatory English components to ensure that drivers can understand critical road signs and instructions.

The Fatal Florida Crash

The call for stricter enforcement came in light of a fatal crash involving truck driver Harjinder Singh, who made an illegal U-turn on a highway, resulting in three deaths. Singh is currently facing criminal charges while also being held on immigration violations.

Illegal Immigration and Safety Protocols

The Department of Homeland Security has labeled Singh, a native of India, as an undocumented immigrant. Duffy asserts that Singh should have never been issued a commercial driver’s license by either Washington or California due to his immigration status. Furthermore, he argues New Mexico should have removed Singh from the road for his reported failure in English proficiency during prior inspections.

However, the state’s video evidence shows Singh adequately comprehending English during a stop, raising questions about Duffy’s conclusions.

State Defenses and Future Implications

Newsom’s office contends that California adhered to all appropriate licensing protocols when it issued Singh’s license, citing past affirmations of his legal status by federal authorities. Meanwhile, 19 states and the District of Columbia have adopted policies that allow individuals to obtain licenses regardless of immigration status, a move praised by many as facilitating safer road use.

As the situation develops, Duffy’s assertion that the states must enforce language requirements to secure federal funds places State officials under increased scrutiny while reigniting debates over immigration, safety, and regulatory compliance in transportation.