Transportation Secretary to Address States Over English Language Proficiency Violations for Truck Drivers
WASHINGTON — On Tuesday, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will take action against three states for failing to enforce federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial truck drivers.
The decision follows a crash on the Florida Turnpike involving an undocumented truck driver, Harjinder Singh, accused of making an illegal U-turn, which resulted in three fatalities. Singh, who entered the U.S. unlawfully in 2018, faces multiple criminal charges and has been denied bond due to being labeled a flight risk after he fled to California the day after the incident.
“You must be able to speak English and understand road signs to operate a truck,” Duffy stated on Fox News. “Follow the rules established by USDOT in your state or there will be serious consequences.”
Federal records indicate Singh obtained commercial driver’s licenses in both Washington and California despite his status. Following the crash, federal investigators assessed Singh’s language and sign recognition proficiency. He answered 2 of 12 verbal questions correctly and identified only 1 of 4 traffic signs.
Singh drove for White Hawk Carriers, a company now under federal scrutiny. Data reveals its drivers and vehicles faced service interruptions at rates exceeding national averages.
Emergency responders and local authorities continue investigating the matter. Further actions against the states are expected as Duffy enforces ELP regulations.
Editor’s note: WPEC contributed to this report.