U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will withhold over $40 million from California due to the state's failure to comply with English Language Proficiency (ELP) standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers. The decision follows an investigation revealing California's non-compliance with these federal requirements.
Duffy said, "I put states on notice this summer: enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements or the checks stop coming. California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement." He emphasized that this is a safety issue affecting public road users.
The withheld funds amount to $40,685,225 from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP), which supports roadside inspections, traffic enforcement, and safety audits of trucking companies. Duffy expressed support for California law enforcement but criticized Governor Newsom's stance against federal law.
For funding restoration, California must adopt and enforce a law compatible with federal ELP requirements during roadside inspections. FMCSA has withdrawn approval of California’s FY24 and FY25 Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan effective October 15, 2025.
Previously, on August 26, 2025, it was announced that California risked losing federal funds if it did not adopt ELP requirements. In July, the California Highway Patrol indicated it would not follow this regulation.
The U.S. Department of Transportation is conducting a nationwide audit on non-domiciled commercial driver’s license issuance as part of broader efforts to enhance road safety and restore order in the trucking industry.
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