New Mexico is under federal scrutiny for its handling of English language proficiency enforcement for commercial truck drivers—a move that could cost the state up to $7 million in federal transportation funding.
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy announced that New Mexico, along with California and Washington, has failed to enforce a new federal rule requiring truck drivers to demonstrate English proficiency. The rule, which took effect on June 25, 2025, mandates that drivers who cannot communicate effectively in English be placed out of service. Duffy cited a deadly crash in Florida involving a driver previously stopped in New Mexico as a key example of the risks involved.
The driver, Harjinder Singh, was pulled over in New Mexico on July 3 for speeding. Federal officials criticized state police for not removing Singh from service, suggesting that his lack of English proficiency may have contributed to the crash that killed three people. However, New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler pushed back, saying the officer had no reason to conduct an ELP assessment because there were no communication issues during the stop.
Weisler also stated that New Mexico had proactively developed its own compliance process after federal agencies failed to provide standardized testing procedures. “We asked for guidance and were told, ‘You know when somebody doesn’t speak English,’” Weisler said. In response, the state implemented statewide training for officers and kept the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) informed with updates on July 24 and August 12—before the Florida crash occurred.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham’s office also weighed in, saying New Mexico’s CDL process already includes an English proficiency component and that the state is actively reviewing the federal claims. Officials noted that the incidents in question may involve drivers licensed in other states, as commercial trucks frequently cross state lines.
New Mexico plans to begin formal enforcement of the ELP rule on September 1, 2025, and continues to work with federal partners to ensure compliance. State Police conduct between 6,000 and 7,000 inspections per month, and officials say they remain committed to safety and transparency.
