Federal Crackdown on States Over English Proficiency Rules

Following a deadly crash in Florida involving Harjinder Singh, an Indian national accused of making an illegal U-turn and killing three people, the U.S. Department of Transportation has intensified its scrutiny of state enforcement of language rules for commercial truck drivers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently warned that California, Washington, and New Mexico could forfeit millions in federal highway safety funds if they continue to neglect English proficiency standards for truck drivers.

Although federal law requires commercial drivers to demonstrate the ability to read traffic signs and communicate with law enforcement in English, enforcement has largely been left to the states. According to Secretary Duffy, the oversight has been inconsistent at best. For example, California conducted more than 34,000 inspections since June, uncovering thousands of violations, yet only one driver was taken out of service for failing to meet English language requirements. Similarly, Washington flagged over 6,000 violations during inspections but pulled only four drivers off the road for English issues. In New Mexico, not a single driver has been removed from service under the new rules.

“These are not optional requirements,” Duffy emphasized. “When states fail to apply federal safety standards, they put the public at risk. Every driver on the road has the right to expect that the person operating a semi-truck can understand road signs, follow emergency directions, and communicate effectively with officers after a crash.” States have been given 30 days to demonstrate compliance or face funding cuts through the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program.

Renewed Pressure After Florida Tragedy

The Florida case has become the lightning rod for this debate. Investigators revealed that Singh, who is also accused of entering the country illegally, answered only two of twelve questions correctly on an English test and later failed additional exams on language and road sign recognition. Despite these failures, he was still issued commercial licenses in both Washington and California and was even pulled over in New Mexico a month before the fatal crash. Officers did not administer the required roadside English exam at that time, allowing him to continue driving. Singh is now facing multiple counts of vehicular homicide as well as federal immigration charges.

Balancing Policy, Labor Needs, and Road Safety

The federal government’s pressure campaign reflects a broader challenge: how to address America’s truck driver shortage while ensuring only safe and qualified individuals operate large commercial vehicles. Foreign drivers represent nearly one-fifth of the U.S. trucking workforce, filling critical labor gaps that domestic hiring alone has struggled to meet. Yet the Florida tragedy illustrates how weak enforcement of safety standards can carry devastating consequences for communities across the country.

Bowman Law: Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers

At Bowman Law, our Colorado truck accident lawyers understand truck cases are unlike ordinary car crash claims. The size and weight of commercial trucks often leads to more catastrophic injuries, long-term disability, or wrongful death. These cases also involve complex federal safety regulations, aggressive corporate defense teams, and powerful insurance carriers determined to limit payouts. Our Colorado truck accident lawyers have the experience and resources to take on these challenges head-on.

We have built a reputation as one of Colorado’s top truck accident lawyers by combining deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations, skilled accident reconstruction, and relentless advocacy for our clients. From negligent hiring and driver qualification failures to violations of federal safety rules, our Colorado truck accident lawyers know how to uncover the evidence that makes a difference in the courtroom and at the negotiating table. At Bowman Law, we don’t just handle cases — we build them to withstand the most aggressive defense strategies.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident in Colorado, you deserve a law firm with a proven record of success. Please send us a message or call us at 720-863-6904 to schedule a free case evaluation. With Bowman Law on your side, you gain a team of Colorado truck accident lawyers who will fight to protect your rights, secure the compensation you need, and deliver the justice you deserve. We serve clients across Colorado’s Front Range and beyond, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora.