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President Trump has officially signed an executive order that directs the Department of Transportation to enforce English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers.

Some shit you should know before you read: If you’re unaware, the requirement for commercial truck drivers to speak and understand English has long been part of federal safety regulations, intended to ensure drivers could read road signs, communicate with officials, and follow safety instructions. Back in 2016, the Obama administration issued guidance that removed the requirement to immediately place drivers out-of-service if they were found to lack English proficiency. This policy shift was part of broader efforts to make employment more accessible to non-English speakers, but critics argued it compromised public safety on US highways.

What’s going on now: In an announcement, the White House confirmed a new executive order titled “Enhancing Roadway Safety through English Language Proficiency Requirements for Commercial Drivers.” The order mandates that all commercial truck drivers operating in the United States must demonstrate sufficient English proficiency to read and understand traffic signs, communicate effectively with law enforcement and safety officers, and provide and receive job-related instructions. Drivers who fail to meet these requirements will be placed “out-of-service,” effectively barring them from operating commercial vehicles until they can demonstrate compliance.

The executive order tasks Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy with issuing new guidance to enforce these requirements and to rescind previous directives that had loosened English language standards under the Obama administration.

According to the White House, the rationale behind the new executive order is over public safety concerns. Officials argue that communication barriers between drivers and safety officials have created unnecessary risks on American highways. The text of the order emphasizes that “proficient English should be a non-negotiable safety requirement,” describing the policy as common sense given the need for drivers to navigate regulations, comply with law enforcement, and ensure safe delivery of goods across the country.

Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), applauded the move, stating that “basic English skills are essential for reading critical road signs, understanding emergency instructions, and interacting with law enforcement.”