The Safety Standard

Sentry Road has introduced a new English Language Proficiency Awareness Course and Assessment to help employers meet the requirements of FMCSA regulation 49 CFR §391.11(b)(2), which mandates that commercial motor vehicle drivers be able to read and speak English well enough to safely navigate and respond during roadside interactions.

With consistent enforcement returning in 2025, many safety and compliance leaders are looking for straightforward ways to prepare their teams now—before roadside inspections begin triggering out-of-service violations tied to language barriers. This new course was built to meet that growing demand, offering a streamlined way to introduce drivers to the regulation and evaluate their current readiness.

Available as a free trial, the course includes a brief awareness module paired with an interactive assessment. Together, they guide drivers through key elements of the English language requirement and offer examples of real-world inspection scenarios—such as identifying road signs or responding to common officer prompts.

The assessment uses visual cues and realistic questions to measure basic English comprehension in the context of transportation safety. Drivers are asked to interpret signs, understand spoken instructions, and make choices based on typical field situations they may encounter.

While the course is not designed to guarantee a pass during an actual inspection, it offers employers valuable insight into how well their drivers may perform under pressure—and where additional coaching or support may be needed.

For those new to the topic, Sentry Road also explored the background and practical implications of this rule in a recent blog post: FMCSA English Proficiency Requirement. That article outlines the growing emphasis on language skills as a safety and compliance priority across the industry.

The English Language Proficiency Awareness Course and Assessment is now available inside the Sentry Road platform and can be assigned to any user. Organizations not currently using Sentry Road can sign up for a free trial to access the training.

Sentry Road helps safety-focused organizations stay ahead of regulatory changes—and this course is just one of many tools designed to make compliance simpler, smarter, and more effective.

👉 Start your free trial today

When it comes to road safety and regulatory compliance in the trucking industry, communication plays a crucial role. One of the foundational requirements set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is that all commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers must have the ability to read and speak the English language.

This requirement plays a vital role in ensuring clear communication and safe operations across the trucking industry. In this post, we’ll break down what the FMCSA English Language Proficiency Requirement entails, how it’s enforced, and what carriers and drivers need to know to stay compliant.

What Is the FMCSA English Language Proficiency Requirement?

Under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2), all drivers of commercial motor vehicles subject to FMCSA regulations must:

“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.”

This requirement applies to both interstate and intrastate drivers operating CMVs in the United States, regardless of their country of origin or first language.

Why Is English Proficiency Required?

• Traffic Sign Recognition: U.S. road signs are in English. Misreading a sign like “Low Clearance” or “No Hazmat Through Tunnel” can cause serious violations—or accidents.

• Interacting with Law Enforcement: Officers need to issue instructions, ask questions, and receive answers—especially during roadside inspections or emergency events.

• Paperwork and Logs: Drivers must accurately complete Hours of Service logs, pre-trip inspections, and incident reports.

• Emergency Response: Whether it's understanding a detour or reporting a hazard, clear communication can save lives.

What Does “Proficient in English” Actually Mean?

The regulation doesn’t require fluency. It requires functional proficiency—enough English to safely operate on the road and comply with laws.

A driver should be able to:

• Read and understand traffic signs

• Respond to questions from DOT officers

• Complete written forms and records

• Follow spoken directions

How Is English Proficiency Evaluated?

✅ During the CDL Process

Each state's Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) assesses English skills during the CDL testing process. Typically:

• Written tests are in English only

• No interpreters are allowed

• Road test examiners give verbal instructions in English

✅ During Roadside Inspections

Enforcement officers may ask questions about:

• HOS logs

• Cargo details

• Trip plans

• Personal identification

Inability to respond in English may lead to:

• Out-of-service orders

• Inspection violations

• FMCSA compliance investigations

The CSA Safety Planner outlines how roadside behavior can affect compliance scores.

Are Road Signs Part of the Evaluation?

Yes. Inspectors may ask drivers to interpret signs chosen from the FHWA Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These can include:

• Yield

• Detour

• No Trucks

• Weight Limit Ahead

This ensures drivers understand the signage critical to safe operation.

What Happens If a Driver Is Not Proficient?

If a driver is deemed noncompliant:

• They may be placed out of service immediately

• Violations may impact CSA BASIC scores

• The carrier may face further scrutiny or audits

You can learn more about CSA scores and compliance at the FMCSA’s CSA Overview.

Common Misconceptions

“Having a CDL means the driver is compliant.”
Not always. Passing a CDL exam doesn't guarantee proficiency in real-world conditions.

“The driver speaks enough to get by.”
If “getting by” means miscommunication in a critical situation, it’s not enough.

“We can use translation apps.”
Not during inspections. The regulation requires the driver themselves to demonstrate the necessary skills.

What Carriers Can Do

• Include English checks in onboarding

• Offer access to ESL training or resources

• Audit internal reports for communication gaps

• Train dispatchers to flag potential language issues

The OSHA training guidelines also support language-accessible safety communication.

Helpful Tools & Resources

• 📄 FMCSA Driver Qualification File Checklist (PDF)

• 📘 DOT Guidance on English Proficiency

• 📚 National Safety Council – Language Barriers in Safety

• 🔗 MUTCD Road Sign Manual (FHWA)

• 📝 How to Get a CDL (FMCSA Guide)

Final Thoughts

The FMCSA English Language Proficiency Requirement is about more than passing a test—it’s about ensuring that every driver can operate safely and legally in the U.S. trucking environment. Carriers that prioritize communication readiness reduce risk and improve compliance across the board.

💡 How Sentry Road Can Help

Sentry Road supports carriers with training and tools designed to meet the FMCSA’s English language proficiency requirements—and much more.
👉 Schedule a free compliance demo to see how we can help your team stay road-ready and audit-proof.

Overview

On May 12, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced the removal of eight electronic logging devices (ELDs) from its list of registered devices. These devices, all produced by Gorilla Fleet Safety, LLC, were found non-compliant with the minimum requirements outlined in Title 49 CFR Appendix A to Subpart B of Part 395 . This action underscores the importance of ensuring ELD compliance to maintain operational integrity and avoid potential penalties.

Which Devices Were Removed?

The following Gorilla Fleet Safety ELDs have been revoked:

• AllwaysTrack

• Command Alkon Trackit

• ELDX

• Gorilla Safety Command ELD

• Gorilla Safety ELD

• Gorilla Safety Prime ELD

• Gorilla Safety Pro ELD

• Gorilla Safety X ELD

These devices have been added to the FMCSA's Revoked Devices List .

Immediate Steps for Motor Carriers

Motor carriers utilizing any of the revoked ELDs must take the following actions:

1. Discontinue Use: Immediately cease using the revoked ELDs.

2. Revert to Paper Logs: Begin recording hours of service (HOS) using paper logs or logging software.

3. Replace Devices: Install compliant ELDs from the FMCSA's Registered Devices List within 60 days, by July 11, 2025 .

Failure to comply by the deadline may result in violations for "No record of duty status" under 395.8(a)(1), and drivers may be placed out of service .

Understanding ELD Compliance

The FMCSA mandates that ELDs must meet specific technical standards to ensure accurate HOS tracking. Non-compliant devices can compromise data integrity and regulatory adherence. The FMCSA's ELD website provides resources and a list of registered, self-certified ELDs .

Industry Implications

This revocation highlights the need for carriers to:

• Regularly Verify ELD Compliance: Ensure devices remain on the FMCSA's registered list.

• Stay Informed: Monitor FMCSA announcements for updates on ELD statuses.

• Train Staff: Educate drivers and administrative personnel on compliance requirements and procedures.

How Sentry Road Can Assist

At Sentry Road, we specialize in helping organizations navigate regulatory changes and maintain compliance.

For assistance in transitioning to compliant ELDs and ensuring your operations meet FMCSA standards, contact Sentry Road.