English Language Proficiency (ELP) and Driver Qualifications

This Transflo KB article summarizes the DOT rules provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in 49 CFR Part 391.11 General Qualifications of Drivers. These commercial motor vehicle (CMV) regulations state that a person cannot drive (and a motor carrier cannot allow a person to drive) unless that person is qualified.

A person is qualified to drive a CMV if they meet all of the following conditions:

• At least 21 years old.

• Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in English, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.

  [In North America, American English can often vary from British English; thus, the US English language is the default. This safety requirement will be the focus of greater enforcement on or around June 25, 2025. Technically, this requirement is listed in US federal law as 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2). However, it is more commonly known as basic compliance with English language proficiency (ELP) or simply ELP compliance.]

   

  

  Tip: As a simple safety rule, the FMCSA is essentially reminding all carriers to assess each driver’s qualifications, including the ability to comply with the ELP requirements of 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2). Enforcement could represent a critical compliance challenge that might require immediate preparation. Motor carriers may conduct their own assessments using various methods to evaluate whether a driver is able to sufficiently communicate with law enforcement officers during a roadside inspection and to understand highway traffic signs that they may encounter when driving.

   

   

• Has the experience and training to safely operate their specific type of CMV.

• Is physically qualified to drive a CMV.

• Has a valid commercial motor vehicle operator license issued by one state or jurisdiction.

• Is not disqualified to drive a CMV under the rules part 391.15.

• Has successfully completed and been issued a certificate of driver road test in accordance with 391.31, or has presented an operator license or a certificate of road test which their employer has accepted as equivalent to a road test in accordance with 391.33.

 

Starting June 25, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will begin strictly enforcing English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial drivers. Although the regulation has existed for years, the new compliance initiative can result in immediate out-of-service (OOS) status for drivers who fail roadside language assessments.

• Inspectors will initiate all roadside inspections in English and require drivers to respond in English. Translation tools, interpreters, and smartphone apps are prohibited during the test.

• If a driver passes the conversational portion, inspectors will then evaluate their ability to understand highway traffic signs. Assessment includes standard highway signs from the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and electronic changeable message signs.

 

For fleet operators, safety directors, and HR managers, this enforcement update could represent a critical compliance challenge that might require immediate preparation. Motor carriers may conduct their own assessments using various methods to evaluate whether a driver is able to sufficiently communicate with law enforcement officers during a roadside inspection and to understand highway traffic signs that they may encounter when driving.

 

Exceptions: Drivers operating within U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones may be cited for violations but will not face OOS placement or disqualification. Drivers who are hearing impaired and have received the designated FMCSA exemption will not be placed out-of-service if they are unable to communicate orally in English.