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Tuesday, May. 27, 2025

Does Texas require truckers to speak and read English to obtain an interstate commercial driver’s license?

Brandy Ruiz, El Paso Matters
yes

To obtain an interstate commercial driver’s license in Texas to drive across state lines, truckers must be able to understand traffic signs and signals and “sufficiently” read and speak English, according to Texas Transportation Code. 

If drivers are unable to communicate in English, they may be issued a restricted commercial license allowing them to operate intrastate – only within state boundaries.

In 2016, the Obama administration directed the Federal Motor Carrier and Safety Administration not to put commercial drivers out of service for not meeting language requirements, which were established in 1997, the agency states. 

President Donald Trump issued an executive order April 28, 2025, to enforce the English proficiency regulations for interstate truckers. 

On May 20, 2025, the transportation secretary signed an order rescinding Obama’s policy effective June 25, 2025, that will put drivers out of service if FMCSA inspectors determine they do not meet English proficiency requirements.

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