DOT-FMCSA Threatens $50M Hit To CA, WA, NM Over Trucker English Rule After Fatal Florida Crash By Illegal Immigrant Driver

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and FMCSA warned California, Washington and New Mexico they have 30 days to enforce the federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) rule for commercial drivers or risk the loss of roughly $50M in federal funds. The move follows a deadly Aug. 12 Florida crash involving Harjinder Singh, described by officials as an illegal immigrant driver who failed an English test after the incident. Federal officials said further steps are possible if states do not comply, while industry groups cautioned the action could worsen driver shortages.