📋 UPDATED 2025–2026 · ALL 50 STATES

CDL English Proficiency
Status by State

All 50 states are subject to the federal English requirement under 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2). This table tracks additional state-level action on top of that federal baseline.

4
✅ Law in Force
7
📋 Bill in Progress
8
🔎 Federal Pressure
31
📌 Federal Baseline
StateStatusLaw / Bill / Note
AlabamaBill in ProgressHB 88 – would require all driver license exams (including CDL) to be in English only, no translators.
AlaskaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English law identified; federal FMCSA English rule applies.
ArizonaBill in ProgressHB 2443 – targets CDL English proficiency; still moving through legislature.
ArkansasLaw / Directive in ForceAct 604 (2025) – establishes English-proficiency requirements for CMV operators.
CaliforniaFederal Review / PressureWarned by USDOT over English-proficiency enforcement; no new English-only CDL statute identified.
ColoradoFederal Review / PressureMentioned in CDL compliance reporting; no specific English-only CDL statute identified.
ConnecticutFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
DelawareFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
FloridaFederal Baseline OnlyCDL exams being given in English in response to federal guidance; no separate English-only statute highlighted.
GeorgiaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
HawaiiFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
IdahoFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
IllinoisBill in ProgressHB 4184 – would require CLP applicants to show they can read and write English.
IndianaBill in ProgressHB 1200 – would require CDL applicants to show sufficient English proficiency.
IowaLaw / Directive in Force2026 law – requires English-proficiency testing for CDL/CLP, including renewals, with penalties for drivers and carriers.
KansasFederal Baseline OnlyNo state CDL English statute; Kansas lawmakers backing federal English-proficiency bills.
KentuckyFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
LouisianaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
MaineFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
MarylandFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
MassachusettsFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
MichiganFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
MinnesotaFederal Review / PressureNamed in CDL compliance reviews; no new English-specific CDL statute found.
MississippiFederal Baseline OnlyNo state CDL English statute; congressional delegation supports federal English-proficiency bills.
MissouriBill in ProgressHB 2741 – toughens CDL rules, including English-reading/comprehension for some applicants; confirm final enactment status.
MontanaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
NebraskaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
NevadaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
New HampshireBill in ProgressHB 1252 – would require CDL skills tests only in English and ban interpreters.
New JerseyFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
New MexicoFederal Review / PressureWarned with CA/WA on enforcing English rules; no English-only CDL statute identified.
New YorkFederal Review / PressureAppears in CDL compliance reports; no new English-specific CDL statute identified.
North CarolinaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
North DakotaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
OhioFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
OklahomaLaw / Directive in ForceSB 20 (2025 "Secure Roads and Safe Trucking Act") – includes CDL/CMV provisions incorporating English proficiency.
OregonFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
PennsylvaniaFederal Review / PressureNamed in CDL compliance checks; no English-only CDL statute identified.
Rhode IslandFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
South CarolinaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
South DakotaFederal Review / PressureIncluded in multi-state CDL compliance reviews; no English-only CDL statute identified.
TennesseeFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
TexasLaw / Directive in Force9/4/2025 governor directive – orders DPS to strictly enforce FMCSA English-proficiency rules for CDL issuance and enforcement.
UtahFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
VermontFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
VirginiaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
WashingtonFederal Review / PressureWarned with CA/NM on enforcing English rules; no English-only CDL statute identified.
West VirginiaFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
WisconsinFederal Baseline OnlyNo state-specific CDL English statute identified.
WyomingBill in ProgressHB 0032 – adds English-proficiency requirement and penalties for CMV drivers; actively advancing.
Showing 50 of 50 states · All states subject to federal 49 CFR § 391.11(b)(2) · Data reflects 2025–2026 legislative sessions

Note on "Law/Directive" vs "Bill in Progress"

States marked Law/Directive in Force have enacted legislation or issued a governor/executive directive specifically addressing CDL English proficiency beyond the federal baseline. States marked Bill in Progress have active legislation that has not yet been fully enacted. Confirm final status with official state bill trackers.