WASHINGTON, 22 AUG

The Trump administration has warned California, Washington and New Mexico of losing millions of dollars in federal transportation safety funds if they fail to enforce English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers within 30 days.

The Department of Transportation, led by Secretary Sean Duffy, said the three states risk forfeiting between USD 7 million and USD 33 million each from the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program, which supports state and local enforcement of commercial vehicle safety.

The move follows a fatal crash in Florida in which a truck driver, allegedly undocumented and unable to speak English, caused three deaths by making an illegal U-turn. Investigators found that the states had failed to adequately enforce federal English language rules despite thousands of inspections.

The administration said the requirement is vital for public safety, noting truckers must be able to read road signs, communicate with law enforcement and operate vehicles safely.

California Governor Gavin Newsom’s office criticised the warning, accusing the federal government of deflecting blame by targeting states after issuing work permits to the accused driver. Officials in the three states said they are reviewing the ultimatum and considering compliance measures.

The Transportation Department said if states do not prove adherence to the rules within the deadline, further actions, including withdrawal of federal safety program funding, could follow.