The trade group that represents 400 Iowa trucking companies and suppliers is backing a bill that would require anyone seeking a commercial driver’s license in Iowa to pass an English proficiency test. Blake Grolmus is with the Iowa Motor Truck Association.
Passing a test showing the ability to speak English and read road signs would be required for people renewing their commercial driver’s license as well as those applying for a CDL for the first time. The bill calls for a one-thousand dollar fine for truck drivers who aren’t proficient at English caught driving in Iowa — and even heftier fines for any trucking company caught employing a trucker driving through Iowa who cannot speak or read English.
Federal law doesn’t require drivers to be fluent in English, but they must be able to communicate clearly and understand road signs. Last June, the Trump Administration issued guidelines that let law enforcement officers stop truckers from continuing their route if the driver is unable to answer questions posed in English, asking things like “What are you hauling? and “What is your destination?”
Grolmus says penalties are necessary because taking the driver out of the semi isn’t enough — because they can just wait until the officer leaves, get back in the semi and start driving.
The proposal has cleared initial review in the Senate and key lawmakers say they may recommend minor adjustments to the bill when the Senate Transportation Committee debates it next week.
