The Department of Transportation, under Sean Duffy, announced Oct. 15 its withholding of $40 million in funding to California because it’s the only state failing to enforce English-proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers.
The decision stems from, in part, a fatal crash in Florida involving a foreign driver who made an illegal U-turn. The crash killed three people, and although it happened in Florida, California issued the commercial license to the driver. Duffy said California should have never given the driver a license because of his immigration status.
“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,” Duffy said. “This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road.”
California pushed back. The state says its licensing and inspection practices already comply with federal standards, and noted that its commercial drivers have a fatal crash rate about 40% lower than the national average, according to a spokesperson for California Gov. Gavin Newsom. (RELATED: Billionaire Illinois Governor Pritzker Pockets Over A Million In Gambling Winnings)
The DOT said California can have the funding reinstated only if it adopts regulations to enforce the English-language requirements, ensures state inspectors test truck drivers’ English proficiency during roadside inspections, and removes from service any drivers who fail.
Beyond this $40 million, the DOT has threatened to withhold an additional $160 million if California does not change its licensing practices — particularly regarding the issuance of commercial driver licenses to noncitizens. The DOT tightened noncitizens truck driver rules after the Florida fatal crash. (RELATED: Politics on Display: Middleton High Assignment Brands Students ‘Nazis’)
