California loses safety funding over driver language rules

California safety funding withheld over English proficiency rules

The U.S. administration announced it will withhold approximately $40.7 million in safety funding from California after determining the state is not enforcing federal English Language Proficiency standards for commercial truck drivers.

The Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Programme supports roadside inspections, safety audits and enforcement initiatives. As of 15 October, California is no longer eligible for funding.

The action follows a warning that California and other states would risk losing federal funding if they did not adopt and enforce requirements for truck drivers to understand road signs and communicate effectively with law enforcement. California is the only state deemed not in compliance.

The decision underscores growing federal scrutiny of state-level enforcement practices related to commercial driver safety and credentialing.

Impact of new restrictions on commercial driving licences

Tighter rules for issuing and renewing non-domiciled commercial driver’s licences, which took effect in September, have yet to create a noticeable impact on truckload supply. But they are expected to compound over time with new enforcement measures like English Language Proficiency requirements for truck drivers.

While these regulations are prompting some drivers and carriers to leave the market, overall attrition remains consistent with recent trends, keeping the market oversupplied but gradually moving toward equilibrium. It will be important to watch how these and other regulatory shifts collectively influence the market over time.

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