Mexican Truck Drivers Enroll in English Courses to Avoid U.S. Penalties

For Mexican transportation companies, compliance with language requirements was previously a minor concern, as U.S. authorities largely overlooked enforcement along a border region long characterized by cultural blending.

However, under the administration of former President Donald Trump, this issue became a critical road safety priority that authorities decided needed immediate attention.

The central challenge? English proficiency.

The Trump administration applied significant pressure on Mexico, not only through threats of tariffs and military intervention but also by targeting the trucking industry, which is vital to the flow of billions of dollars in trade between the United States and its largest trading partner.

In April, shortly after English was officially designated as the United States’ national language, a longstanding regulation was reinforced that permits removing commercial drivers from the roads if they fail to demonstrate sufficient English skills to read traffic signs and communicate with U.S. officials. This directive sparked a rush in Mexico, where companies are now scrambling to rapidly improve their drivers’ English proficiency to sustain their operations.

Data from the U.S. Department of Transportation indicate that this year, over 5,000 violations were recorded involving Mexican truck drivers lacking adequate English skills, a sharp increase compared to approximately 240 incidents reported in 2024.