Dalilah's Law: New CDL Requirements Including English Proficiency

House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved Dalilah's Law (H.R. 5688), mandating English proficiency for CDL issuance/renewal and English-only testing. Non-compliant states will lose federal DOT funding.

What Is Dalilah's Law?

Dalilah's Law (H.R. 5688) is a legislative proposal that advanced in March 2026 through the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure in the United States.

If enacted, this law will establish strict English proficiency requirements for all Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders in the United States, significantly reshaping CDL eligibility nationwide.

Key English Proficiency Requirements

The main points of the law include:

1. English-Only Testing

• All knowledge and skills tests required for CDL issuance or renewal must be administered exclusively in English
• States that continue to offer CDL testing in other languages after the law's enactment could face withholding of federal DOT funding
• American Sign Language (ASL) is considered equivalent to English for these purposes

2. Driver Communication

• CDL holders must be able to read and speak English proficiently enough to:
• Communicate with law enforcement
• Comprehend road signs
• Answer questions
• Complete reports

3. Out-of-Service Orders

• Drivers who fail to meet these English proficiency standards would be immediately placed out of service

4. Carrier Responsibility

• Trucking companies would be held responsible, risking the loss of their registration if they hire drivers who do not possess valid CDLs or lack the necessary English skills

5. Foreign-Domiciled License Audit

• States are required to audit current foreign-domiciled licenses within one year
• Revoke those that do not meet the rules
• Existing licenses are largely grandfathered until they expire but cannot be renewed without new proof of meeting the requirements

Why Is It Called "Dalilah's Law"?

The law is named after Dalilah Coleman, who was severely injured in an accident involving a commercial truck driven by an individual allegedly in the country illegally and lacking proper qualifications.

The law aims to enhance roadway safety and driver accountability by ensuring all CDL holders are qualified and legally operating.

What Does This Mean For Current Drivers?

If you already have your CDL:

• Your current license remains valid until its expiration date (grandfathered)
• When it's time to renew, you'll need to demonstrate English proficiency
• If you have a foreign-domiciled license, your state will conduct an audit within one year

Earlier Versions of the Law

Earlier versions of the bill included mandatory recertification of all existing CDL holders within 180 days of enactment to verify English proficiency, among other requirements.

However, updated versions of H.R. 5688 (as of March 18, 2026) do NOT require mandatory recertification for all CDL holders within 180 days.

Industry Opinion

The trucking industry is divided:

✅ In Favor

• Improved safety: Clear communication with authorities and other drivers reduces accident risk
• Standardization: All drivers operate under the same rules
• Less fraud: Harder to obtain fraudulent licenses

❌ Concerns

• Driver shortage: The industry already faces driver deficit; this law could worsen it
• Impact on bilingual drivers: Many qualified and safe drivers speak Spanish as their primary language but can communicate effectively in English when needed
• Uneven enforcement: States may apply the law differently, creating confusion

What To Do If Your English Isn't Perfect?

If you're a driver and concerned about your English level:

• Take English classes: Many nonprofits offer free or low-cost classes
• Practice with apps: Duolingo, Babbel, Rosetta Stone
• Read road signs in English: Familiarize yourself with highway terminology
• Practice basic conversations: "What is the speed limit?", "Where is the inspection station?", etc.

At The Truck Savers, We're Here To Help

We know the industry changes constantly, and at The Truck Savers™, we're here to support you.

We offer:

• Free road simulator inspection — we detect problems before they stop you on the road
• Computerized alignment — professional alignment machine
• Training courses — DOT inspections, tire diagnosis, alignment (in-person in Monterrey and online)
• Full truck maintenance service

Call us: (713) 455-5566 (Houston, TX)

Sources: FreightWaves, Trucking Dive, Landline Media, The Trucker