Gov. Kay Ivey signs new law to crack down on truckers who don’t know English

Gov. Kay Ivey signs law to ensure commercial truck drivers in Alabama know English, Wednesday, March 11, 2026 – Photo from the Office of Governor Kay Ivey

Gov. Kay Ivey has signed a new law to crack down on commercial truck drivers who don’t know English as a way to improve highway safety.

The new law requires commercial driver license holders in Alabama who hold a foreign license to have valid U.S. work authorization and requires them to demonstrate English language proficiency. It will make it a criminal offense to present a false foreign license to law enforcement.

“Alabama families travel these same highways every single day, and they deserve to know the rules are being enforced,” Gov. Ivey said. “If you cannot read, write and speak English, you do not need to be driving a commercial vehicle on our roads.”

The legislation builds upon ongoing enforcement efforts conducted by ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU), which conducts inspections and traffic stops involving commercial motor vehicles across the state.

Since October 27, 2025, ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit has referred more than 555 individuals to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for immigration status verification following commercial motor vehicle inspections and passenger vehicle stops. Of those referrals, 221 individuals were detained by ICE based on their immigration status.

In addition to the collaboration with ICE, ALEA MCSU Troopers conduct English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests, which are federally mandated to ensure drivers can read highway signage, understand safety instructions and communicate with law enforcement during inspections or emergencies.

Since January 1, 2025, ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit has issued 548 English Language Proficiency violations to commercial drivers.

The new law takes effect October 1.