In a move that stirred both cheers and controversy, President Donald Trump signed a new Executive Order back in April that’s now being put into action on America’s highways.
The rule? If you want to drive a big rig, you need to speak and read English. Period.
And for truck drivers in Georgia, the enforcement just got real. As of late June, drivers who can’t pass an English test on the spot are being pulled off the road.
Georgia was the first state to start handing out tickets under the new rule, and two truckers have already been cited.
They’re the first, but they won’t be the last.
Two truck drivers in Georgia become some of the first in the state ticketed under @POTUS' Executive Order enforcing English proficiency in truckers.
Trucker reacts: "They're operating 80,000 lbs — It's super dangerous, and they can't communicate? … That's where the safety… pic.twitter.com/wZ1lJmrRvV
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) August 5, 2025
“They’re operating 80,000 lbs.,” one trucker said in response, according to a post on X. “It’s super dangerous, and they can’t communicate? That’s where the safety part of it comes in.”
Safety First, Not Politics
This isn’t about politics, race, or immigration. It’s about keeping people safe.
A trucker who can’t read a “Bridge Out Ahead” sign or give clear answers to a state trooper during a traffic stop puts everyone in danger – on the road and off it.
Trump’s Executive Order, signed on April 28, 2025, gives the Secretary of Transportation the power to enforce these rules nationwide.
It requires updates to the “out-of-service” criteria so that drivers who can’t speak or read English get benched until they can.
The order also tells the Department of Transportation to take a hard look at how states issue licenses to non-domiciled drivers – meaning folks who live outside the U.S. but drive on our roads.
Why It Matters for Nevada
Nevada, with its busy trucking routes and 24-hour shipping hubs, should be paying attention.
From the ports of California to the distribution centers in Las Vegas and Reno, thousands of trucks pass through our state every day.
If drivers can’t read signs or follow directions in English, that’s a recipe for disaster – especially on I-15 during rush hour in Las Vegas.
And this isn’t just a hypothetical.
Reports from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have shown problems with drivers who don’t meet English proficiency requirements.
Some have gotten exemptions in the past, but that’s changing under Trump’s crackdown.
Nevada may soon join states like Georgia in stepping up roadside inspections.
That means state troopers asking drivers to identify road signs and answer simple questions – in English.
If they can’t? They’ll be put out of service until they can.
Backed by a Bigger Policy Push
This new trucking rule follows Trump’s March order that officially declared English the national language.
It’s part of a bigger push to make sure public services, education, and government business don’t bend over backward to accommodate dozens of different languages.
While some critics claim the new rules are too harsh or target immigrants, Trump and his supporters say it’s just common sense.
Trucking is a dangerous job. If you’re hauling 40 tons of cargo at 70 miles an hour, you better understand every word on those road signs.
What Comes Next
Georgia is just the starting point.
With two drivers already ticketed and more inspections on the way, other states are expected to follow suit. Nevada may not be far behind.
For now, the message is clear: Speak English, or don’t drive a truck in America.
Whether you’re on board with the policy or not, it’s hard to argue with the basic idea behind it – safety should come first.
And on a busy interstate, a little English can go a long way.
This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
