New FMCSA English Language Rule: What Truck Drivers Need to Know
Starting June 25, 2025, a new rule from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) goes into effect and impacts all interstate truck drivers and fleet operators.
What’s Changing?
The FMCSA is reinforcing its existing requirement that all commercial drivers operating across state lines must be able to speak, read, and understand English. This is to ensure safe communication with law enforcement, understand road signs, fill out reports, and comply with safety instructions.
To put it even more simple, if you drive across state lines, you must be able to:
- Speak and understand English
- Read road signs and safety instructions
- Talk to police or DOT officers
- Fill out logs and reports
How Will They Check? The New Two-Step Assessment
The FMCSA will now require carriers to actively verify a driver’s English skills using a two-step process:
- Before getting hired or Pre-employment screening – Carriers must make sure you can speak and understand English.
- While you work or Ongoing ability – Drivers must demonstrate they can understand road signs, answer inspection questions, and complete necessary documentation in English.
Why This Matters
If you don’t meet the English rules:
- You may lose your driving job
- Your company may get fines or violations
- It may hurt your company’s safety score
.
How to Get Ready
If you’re a driver who struggles with English or a company with drivers who need help — now is the time to act. Our upcoming English learning app is built specifically for truckers like you, with easy tools to practice speaking, reading, and understanding the English required for the road.
With RoadTalkz, you will learn:
- What to say during stops or inspections
- How to read road signs and safety messages
- How to fill out logs the right way
Stay ahead of the rule.
Join our early access list and help you stay confident, safe, and compliant.
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