WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has withheld $40.6 million in federal transportation funds from California, citing the state’s refusal to comply with federal rules requiring commercial truck drivers to demonstrate English proficiency.
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) confirmed the decision Wednesday, following months of warnings to California and two other states — Washington and New Mexico — that they risked losing funds if they did not align with federal standards.
“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,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Federal Requirement on Truck Driver English Skills
Federal regulations require that commercial vehicle operators be able to read and speak English well enough to understand road signs, respond to official inquiries, and fill out required forms.
USDOT officials argue that noncompliance poses safety risks on U.S. highways, particularly in states with large trucking industries and diverse workforces like California.
California Pushback Expected
California officials have not yet issued a formal response, but state transportation advocates are expected to challenge the funding freeze, arguing that the state’s licensing system already meets federal safety standards and that the issue could disproportionately impact immigrant drivers who make up a large portion of the logistics workforce.
The conflict underscores ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and California over federal oversight — spanning issues from emissions regulations and border policy to education funding and labor standards.
If the freeze continues, transportation planners warn it could delay infrastructure projects across the state, including highway maintenance and freight corridor improvements critical to Central Valley commerce.
