California is the only state to not comply with the Department’s ELP Requirements for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy today announced that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will withhold over $40 million from California following an investigation that found the state has failed to comply with the Department’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards.
“I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements or the checks stop coming. California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy.
In total, $40,685,225 from Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) funding awarded to California will be impacted. MCSAP provides grant funding for states to conduct roadside inspections, traffic enforcement, safety audits of trucking companies, and public education campaigns.
“Let me be clear – this is valuable money that should be going to the great men and women in California law enforcement, who we support. Gov. Newsom’s insistence on obstructing federal law has tied my hands,” the Secretary added.
For FMCSA to restore funding, California must adopt and actively enforce a law, regulation, standard, or order that is compatible with the federal ELP requirement for commercial drivers. This means state inspectors need to begin conducting ELP assessments during roadside inspections and place those who fail out-of-service.
Additional Information:
To remain eligible for MCSAP funding, states must adopt and enforce laws, regulations, standards, and orders on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety that are compatible with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) in 49 CFR parts 390, 391, 392, 393, 395, 396, and 397. 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2) states, a person is qualified to drive a motor vehicle if he/she, “Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make entries on reports and records.” FMCSA has determined that California has not adopted a compatible law, regulation, standard, or order to implement the English language standard in 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2). Therefore, pursuant to 49 CFR § 350.231, FMCSA is withdrawing approval of California’s FY24 and FY25 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan effective October 15, 2025. Therefore, no expenses incurred after October 15, 2025, and vouchered for reimbursement from FY24 or FY25 MCSAP funding will be approved and paid.
On August 26, 2025, the Department announced California was among states in danger of losing federal funds if they failed to adopt and enforce ELP requirements for commercial motor vehicle drivers. In July, California Highway Patrol has also publicly stated it had no intention of following this important federal regulation.
The Department is currently performing a nationwide audit of non-domiciled commercial driver’s license (CDL) issuance – part of a broader effort to enhance safety on America’s roads and restore order to the trucking industry.
McCraren Compliance can help you understand and comply with FMCSA, USDOT and ADOT and ensure your drivers and your vehicles operate safely and efficiently.
Call us Today at 888-758-4757 or email us at info@mccrarencompliance.com to schedule your free FMCSA Compliance Assessment.
Original article published by FMCSA