Transportation Secretary to Act Against States Over Truck Driver Language Proficiency
WASHINGTON — Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy will take action against three states on Tuesday for not enforcing federal English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial truck drivers.
The initiative follows a fatal incident on the Florida Turnpike where an illegal U-turn contributed to a crash that killed three people. Harjinder Singh, an undocumented truck driver involved in the collision, entered the U.S. illegally in 2018 and now faces multiple criminal charges after fleeing to California shortly after the crash.
“You must be able to speak English and understand road signs to operate a truck,” Duffy stated to Fox News. “Follow the rules established by USDOT in your state or there will be serious consequences.”
Federal records revealed that Singh obtained commercial driver’s licenses in Washington and California despite his undocumented status. Following the crash, federal investigators assessed Singh’s proficiency in English and road signs, finding he answered only 2 of 12 verbal questions correctly and identified just one of four signs.
Singh was employed by White Hawk Carriers, a California trucking company that is currently under federal investigation. Data indicates this company has had significantly higher rates of service withdrawals for its drivers and trucks than the national average.
Authorities reported that Singh has been denied bond and labeled a flight risk.
Editor’s note: WPEC contributed to this article.