On September 4, 2025, Governor Greg Abbott announced a new directive that could reshape the trucking industry in Texas. He ordered the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to strictly enforce federal English language proficiency (ELP) rules for all commercial drivers, not just those traveling across state lines.
For years, a loophole in Texas law allowed drivers operating only within the state to be held to a different standard than interstate drivers. Now, commercial drivers on Texas highways must be able to speak and understand English sufficiently to follow directions, respond to officers, and safely navigate the roads.
Why did Texas issue this directive?
The order comes after reports revealed that Texas wasn’t enforcing English proficiency requirements for intrastate drivers. This was possible because state law tied the rules only to interstate carriers. This leaves a wide group of drivers outside the regulations.
On June 25, 2025, federal officials reinstated English proficiency violations as an “out-of-service” condition. In other words, if a driver can't demonstrate sufficient English skills, they can be taken off the road immediately.
Since then, DPS and partner agencies have cited roughly 445 drivers in Texas for ELP violations. Of those, approximately 28 held Texas licenses, while most were licensed in Mexico, with others holding licenses from various states and countries.
Abbott framed his directive around both safety and fairness, stating that truckers are essential to the state’s economy but must also follow the same rules to keep highways safe.
What changes will truck drivers see on the road?
Under the new policy, DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Troopers and inspectors will review English proficiency for all commercial drivers they stop, regardless of whether the driver is crossing state lines. Drivers who cannot meet the federal standard could face immediate out-of-service orders.
Abbott also instructed DPS to stop issuing intrastate commercial driver licenses to anyone who can't speak English sufficiently to communicate with officers or department staff. This marks a significant shift for drivers who may have previously obtained intrastate licenses despite limited English ability.
How could this affect the Texas trucking industry?
Texas is a major trucking hub, particularly due to its substantial cross-border traffic with Mexico. The directive may tighten the labor pool if many drivers are unable to meet the English requirement. Companies that rely on bilingual or Spanish-speaking drivers could face staffing challenges, at least in the short term.
Abbott and DPS officials stress that the change is about safety. They argue that clear communication is critical for drivers to understand traffic laws, follow safety instructions, and avoid truck accidents.
As enforcement ramps up, trucking companies are likely to place greater emphasis on language training and compliance checks. For drivers, the directive means that English proficiency is no longer a gray area. It’s a requirement that could determine whether they stay on the road or are sidelined.
These violations matter because failing to meet federal safety rules can strengthen injury claims in the event of a crash. At our law firm, we know how to uncover violations in driver and company records that insurers would rather hide.
How a truck accident lawyer can help after a crash
A collision with an 18-wheeler can turn your world upside down in the blink of an eye. Suddenly, you’re left with medical bills, lost income, and questions about how to move forward. That’s where John R. Solis and his team step in. We’ve spent years standing up to trucking companies and their insurance providers, digging into logbooks, maintenance records, and black box data to uncover the truth. When the odds feel stacked against you, we know how to level the playing field and fight for every dollar you deserve.
When you reach out for a free consultation, you’ll sit down with an experienced attorney who takes the time to hear your story. We’ll walk you through what to expect in your case, explain your legal options, and outline a strategy tailored to your situation. There's no legal jargon or guesswork; just clear guidance and a partner who knows what it takes to win against the toughest opponents.
Best of all? You don’t pay a cent unless we win your case. Our contingency fee structure means your future, not your wallet, drives the fight. Serving clients in Laredo, the Rio Grande Valley, San Antonio, and beyond, our bilingual team is ready to act quickly before evidence disappears and insurance companies close in.
Contact us today to schedule your free case review and let us start building your case for justice.
"Amazing law firm, very friendly staff. Whenever I had a question, they helped me out; very efficient and professional. I am very grateful for everything they did with my case. I 100% recommend this law firm." - Miguel D., ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐