The Trump administration has issued a warning that California, Washington, and New Mexico may lose millions in federal funding if they fail to enforce English language proficiency requirements for truck drivers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted that the states have 30 days to comply with the federal rule following an investigation into a deadly crash in Florida.
The incident involved Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old illegal immigrant who was operating a commercial semi-truck on the Florida Turnpike when he allegedly attempted an unauthorized U-turn before the trailer jackknifed and collided with a minivan, killing all three passengers. Singh was given a CDL test after the crash and failed, according to Duffy. He obtained his CDL license in California and Washington before being pulled over for speeding in New Mexico in July. His rig was not taken out of service despite his inability to speak English, raising concerns about safety on the roads.
Duffy emphasized that the ELP rule, which took effect in June, requires that non-English-proficient drivers be taken out of service. However, California, Washington, and New Mexico have not enforced this rule effectively, leading to the potential funding cuts. California could lose up to $33 million, while Washington and New Mexico could lose $10.5 million and $7 million, respectively.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration chief counsel Jesse Elison stated that the states have 30 days to respond and present a corrective plan. If they fail to comply, further steps could be taken, though Duffy declined to detail the specifics. He acknowledged the potential financial impact but stressed that the administration aims to use its tools to ensure safety without resorting to the most severe measures.
The administration’s stance reflects a broader concern about the safety of the transportation system, with Duffy warning that non-compliance poses a risk to all road users. The incident with Singh has sparked a broader investigation into how illegal immigrants obtained trucking licenses before the crash, highlighting ongoing concerns about immigration and road safety in the United States.