Congressman Pat Harrigan Introduces the SAFE Drivers Act
Contact: Lexi Kranich (814) 380-4408
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Congressman Pat Harrigan (NC-10), alongside original cosponsors Rep. Troy Nehls (TX-22) and Rep. Bob Onder (MO-03), introduced the Standardized Assessment for Fluency in English for Drivers Act (SAFE Drivers Act), legislation to establish a uniform English proficiency test for all commercial driver's license applicants nationwide.
"If you can't read 'Bridge Out Ahead' or communicate with a state trooper at a crash scene, you have no business driving an 80,000-pound truck on American highways," said Congressman Harrigan. "We have federal rules that require English proficiency, but no standardized test to enforce them, so states like California hand out commercial licenses to drivers who can't understand basic safety instructions. The SAFE Drivers Act fixes that by requiring one uniform English test nationwide before any CDL is issued. No more guesswork, no more state-by-state loopholes, just one standard that keeps Americans safe."
Current federal regulations require commercial drivers to have basic English proficiency, but there is no standardized test to verify it. States apply the rule unevenly, creating dangerous enforcement gaps. The SAFE Drivers Act requires FMCSA to develop a uniform English proficiency test to be administered during CDL issuance and renewal in every state. The test assesses ability to read road signs, understand spoken instructions, and complete written reports. The Secretary of Transportation can withhold federal highway funds from states that fail to comply.
The legislation has received strong backing from the trucking industry:
"Representative Harrigan's SAFE Drivers Act is a long-overdue, commonsense solution that strengthens safety and consistency across our nation's highways. English language proficiency has been a federal requirement for commercial drivers since 1937, yet enforcement has varied widely across states and over time. By directing FMCSA to implement a standardized English proficiency test at the point of CDL issuance and renewal, not during roadside inspections, this bill ensures that every driver entering the workforce can read road signs, communicate with law enforcement, and respond effectively in emergencies. It eliminates the patchwork of state-level standards and enforcement discrepancies and prevents unqualified drivers from ever getting behind the wheel. The North Carolina Trucking Association strongly supports this bill and urges Congress to act swiftly." — North Carolina Trucking Association
"The ability to read road signs, understand the rules of the road, and communicate with law enforcement officials is vital to ensuring the safety of all motorists. That's why English proficiency is a requirement for operating a commercial motor vehicle, but uneven enforcement across all 50 states has created dangerous loopholes. We welcomed President Trump's executive order that provided much-needed clarity in this area, and we commend this effort by Representative Harrigan to establish an objective, uniform, and effective test during the CDL issuance and renewal process. ATA stands ready to work with the Administration and Congress on ensuring there is uniform enforcement and a high standard of safety on our highways." — American Trucking Associations
Congressman Harrigan is urging his colleagues to support the legislation and close the enforcement gaps that put American lives at risk on our highways.