Dept. of Transportation to eliminate rule requiring speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks

Trump mandates "English-speaking" truck drivers

In an executive order, the Trump administration has mandated that commercial truck drivers must speak English, which Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced at a live event.

The U.S. Department of Transportation unveiled on Friday a package of new initiatives it says will support and improve the lives of America’s truck drivers. 

‘Supporting America’s truck drivers’ package

In short:

The package includes investing millions to expand truck parking, studying the flexibility of off- and on-duty driving periods, and removing speed limiters for heavy-duty trucks. 

FILE - A large truck stop is viewed at an off ramp on July 15, 2022 in Jean, Nevada. Located along Interstate 15 south of Las Vegas. (Photo by George Rose/Getty Images)

What they're saying:

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy said truckers "keep America running" and that this package will "get Washington out of your trucks and your business."

"While the country sleeps, truckers grind through the night to help keep shelves stocked, families fed, and businesses humming. It’s a job that requires grit and dedication. But for too long Washington, DC has made work harder for truckers. That ends today," he said in a press release.

Some trucking groups have applauded the package, such as the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association.

What are speed limiters?

Big picture view:

Speed limiters are devices that restrict the maximum speed a vehicle can travel. 

What they're saying:

"Mandating speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks isn't just an inconvenience – it is a safety hazard when drivers are forced to go slower than the flow of traffic," USDOT said in its press release.

"The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are withdrawing a joint rulemaking that proposed to require speed-limiting devices on heavy vehicles. This decision respects the professionalism of drivers and acknowledges the proposed rulemaking lacked a sufficiently clear and compelling safety justification," USDOT said. 

The other side:

Speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks are said to enhance road safety and improve fuel efficiency. 

Truck drivers English mandate

Earlier:

President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April reinforcing a longstanding federal law that requires commercial truck drivers in the United States to be proficient in English.

It directed the Department of Transportation to rescind previous guidance that softened enforcement and to issue stricter inspection procedures.

The administration argues the change prioritizes safety, noting a significant drop in English proficiency violations acted upon since 2015.

RELATED: Trump administration to enforce law requiring truck drivers to speak English