Feds Threaten $50M Unless States Enforce Truckers’ English; U.S. Pauses Worker Visas For Foreign Drivers

DOT warned California, Washington and New Mexico it will withhold roughly $50M unless they enforce English-proficiency rules for commercial truck drivers within 30 days. The move follows an April executive order restoring strict enforcement and last week’s pause on issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety concerns after a fatal Florida crash involving a non‑English‑speaking driver. FMCSA is investigating state compliance as industry groups warn of potential freight impacts.