What happened
On Saturday, September 26, FMCSA, the Department of Homeland Security and state police ran a one-day enforcement push along the I-95 corridor. It covered South Carolina, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia. FMCSA announced the results on September 30.
The results
- 552 inspections
- 78 drivers placed out of service
- 12 of those drivers were sidelined for failing English Language Proficiency (ELP)
- 25 vehicles placed out of service
Officers checked driver credentials, fatigue, ELD use, distracted driving, cargo securement and English proficiency. FMCSA said drivers holding non-domiciled CDLs were among those removed, but it did not give a separate number for them.
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The bigger picture
FMCSA says that since April 2025, about 31,200 drivers nationwide have been put out of service for being unable to speak basic English or read road signs. The agency also reports revoking more than 31,000 licenses it says were issued improperly.
What it means for you
- Expect English checks at any stop. Officers may ask you questions and have you read road signs in English.
- Practice the basics: your route, cargo, hours, and common sign wording such as weigh station and detour.
- Keep paperwork clean and handy: CDL, medical card, registration and ELD data transfer.
- Fleet owners: check your drivers' English before dispatching them on these corridors. An out-of-service order strands the load and the truck.