Iowa law adds penalties for truck drivers who fail English proficiency checks

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homucifer666@reddit

As long as it's applied equally, I don't have a problem. Reading signs in English is an essential driving skill.

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I'd say it depends. I'm fluent in English and Spanish. Up here in Canada we have Quebec which is all French. All the road signs and notices are in French. I don't know a word of French but still figure it out.

Down south everyone should know English though, it's the only official language I believe.

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homucifer666@reddit

The US has no official language, but all the signs are in English save for some near the Canadian border that are dual English/French.

I don't think you need to be fully fluent to drive, although as an ESL person I can vouch that it definitely helps.

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FatCrusher9000@reddit

"The US has no official language" wrong.

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homucifer666@reddit

Prove that it's the official language then. Go on. Do it.

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FatCrusher9000@reddit

Executive order 14224. Whether you like it or not, English in the official language as of now.

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SnowLeavess@reddit

Executive orders are not law nor do they have any weight beyond the executive branch. It essentially says English is the official language but solely for the executive branch lmao. Learn how those orders work.

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BillBonn@reddit

u/SnowLeavess on Reddit says:

Executive orders are not law nor do they have any weight beyond the executive branch. It essentially says English is the official language but solely for the executive branch lmao. Learn how those orders work.

The United States of America:

"English serves as the "official language for all federal operations, laws, and official communications."*

Thus, as a CDL holder, this will be the official language of all laws, all road signs, etc.

Sorry, buddy.

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SnowLeavess@reddit

I dont think you understand America or have any idea how official languages work... reality is, theres no official langauge in America. English is officially used in the government, but we aren't all the government, and you, as a CDL holder, have nothing to do with the government unless they hired you themselves. What branch do you think CDL holders are under?

Stupidity is on full display today I see.

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BillBonn@reddit

What branch do you think CDL holders are under?

🤦

CDL holders are governed by the Department of Transportation, a Federal agency 🤦🤦🤦

Stupidity is on full display today I see.

You Americans cannot beat the allegations this way!!

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SnowLeavess@reddit

So... you arent even American, and you're trying to explain American law to me? Must be why you think executive orders mean anything lmao.

Yea, the department of transportation had to use English within the department. CDL drivers do not work for the DoT, therefore do not have to use english in their communications. Good god this is hard to understand for foreigners I guess lol. Next time let the Americans do the talking. Your opinion here is irrelevant.

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30_characters@reddit

They have a much larger impact that you might expect. For example, Affirmative Action isn't law, but (former) policy for companies doing business with the US Federal Government. It sets enforcement priorities (e.g. DACA), and directs agencies to create regulations (which have similar force of law to legislation).

EOs are frequently cited as the authority for federal regulations, for example Barak Obama issued Executive Order 13672, adding "...sexual orientation, gender identity..." to 41 CFR 60-2.16 on Affirmative Action.

Workplace drug testing started with Reagan's EO 12564—Drug-Free Federal Workplace. States setting the minimum drinking at 21 also started with an EO, and requiring the availability and use of seat belts did, too.

So yes, they carry weight, often by virtue of requirement placed on federal contractors, which make up a massive part of the workforce.

Since Congress and the Courts haven't indicated any opposition, English remains the official language of the US.

https://www.usa.gov/official-language-of-us

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FatCrusher9000@reddit

Cope.

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kaneabel@reddit

Tard

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FatCrusher9000@reddit

Cope.

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homucifer666@reddit

LoL, no one recognises that any more than than Gulf of America bullshit. Cry harder, MAGAt

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BillBonn@reddit

Federally speaking, Executive Order 14224.

Link: https://www.usa.gov/official-language-of-us

"Does the U.S. have an official language?"

Yes. English was designated as the official language of the United States in an executive order on March 1, 2025.

Uh oh...

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MegaDuck71@reddit

49 CFR § 391.11 has been on the books since 1936. Basic ability to read, write and speak English has been a requirement for around 90 years.

The US doesn’t have an official language. However, it makes sense for everyone to use English (as the dominant language). Imagine the signage on Donner for chaining up in 50 languages. In aviation English is required. For example, a pilot flying from France to Spain communicates with ATC in English.

It doesn’t matter if it is Klingon, it makes sense for professional drivers and pilots to be able to communicate in the same language.

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2014/10/01/2014-23435/driver-qualifications-regulatory-guidance-concerning-the-applicability-of-language-requirement-to

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Ill_Aside_5662@reddit

Just basic English is what you really need. Driving a truck isn't rocket science imo.

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mrh231111@reddit

Definitely not rocket science but not understanding road signs will put others at harm...

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KatieTSO@reddit

Actually, the US doesn't have an official language.

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HowlingWolven@reddit

The US has no official language.

I think that drivers entering QC should at least know enough grocery box French to know that arrêt means stop and zone designée de construction means construction zone.

(granted that only excludes the prairie provinces, but)

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BillBonn@reddit

"While Congress has never declared a statutory official language, "Executive Order 14224" officially designates English as the national language of the United States."

"English serves as the de facto language for all federal operations, laws, and official communications."

And that's why English is essential in the US. "Official language," or not.

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