CVSA To Implement DOT’s English Proficiency Rules Starting June 25

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) will begin enforcing its own English proficiency requirements for drivers beginning June 25.

On that date, inspectors will start issuing out-of-service notices to drivers that cannot demonstrate English proficiency, the group stated in a recent release.

CVSA’s mandate appears to largely match rules implemented last month by the Department of Transportation (DOT), which require drivers to pass a two-part test to demonstrate they are competent enough with English to follow roadside instructions and read road signs.

CVSA’s board of directors authorized the change, which references the same federal code section as DOT’s requirements. But DOT’s out-of-service standards include some enforcement discretion, allowing inspectors to make allowances for certain drivers with hearing difficulties, or those travelling near the Mexico border. CVSA made no mention of these exceptions in its release.