TennesseeTennessee sets English-language rules for commercial drivers and employers
Starting January 1, 2027, some commercial drivers could lose their licenses or be taken out of service for failing an English proficiency standard, with employer penalties.
What it does
Starting January 1, 2027, a commercial driver who fails the required English standard would lose the license until passing a Department of Safety test, with an exception for certain hearing-exempt drivers.
Starting January 1, 2027, inspectors would keep a vehicle out of service until a qualified substitute driver arrives, while the employer faces a $500 fine and no driver-record points.
Argument forRequiring drivers to understand signs, official questions, and safety records could reduce communication problems during inspections and emergencies.
Argument againstA failed language check could remove a driver from service and stop a vehicle until a substitute arrives, while employers face fines and related fees.
More detail
The commissioner must suspend a commercial driver license when the driver receives a covered out-of-service order or fails the required English-language standard. This applies to commercial drivers who cannot use English well enough to speak with the public, understand traffic signs and signals, answer official questions, and complete required records. The exception applies when the driver cannot speak English sufficiently, can read and write English, and has a hearing-standard exemption under federal rules. The Department of Safety must give the required English test itself, not use a third party. The employer must pay fines or fees connected to the license suspension or reinstatement. The license-suspension rules apply beginning January 1, 2027. Rules and test development may begin when the act becomes law.
During a safety inspection, an enforcement officer must issue an out-of-service order when a covered driver fails the English-language standard, and the vehicle may not move until a qualified substitute driver takes over. This applies to commercial drivers who cannot use English well enough to speak with the public, understand traffic signs and signals, answer official questions, or complete required records. The substitute driver must be able to read and speak English at the required level. The exception applies when the original driver cannot speak English sufficiently, can read and write English, and has a hearing-standard exemption under federal rules. The employer receives a Class C misdemeanor citation and a $500 fine; federal civil penalties may also apply. The violation is a nonmoving traffic violation, and no points may be added to the driver's record. The inspection and penalty rules apply beginning January 1, 2027.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Jun 18Pub. Ch. 1087Latest
- Jun 18Effective date(s) contingent
- May 22Signed by Governor Bill Lee.Became Law
- May 11Transmitted to Governor for action.To Governor
- May 7Signed by H. SpeakerMajor
- Apr 30Enrolled and ready for signaturesMinor
- Apr 30Signed by Senate SpeakerMajor
- Apr 24Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
- Apr 22Concurred, Ayes 25, Nays 5 (Amendment 1 - HA0700)Major
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: Motion to Concur House Amendment # 1 4/22/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 21Placed on Senate Message Calendar for 4/22/2026
- Apr 20Subst. for comp. HB.Major
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR PREVIOUS QUESTION AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/20/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: REGULAR CALENDAR AS AMENDED PASSAGE ON THIRD CONSIDERATION 4/20/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 20H. adopted am. (Amendment 1 - HA0700)Major
- Apr 20Passed H., as am., Ayes 73, Nays 21, PNV 0Passed House
- Mar 23Rcvd. from S., held on H. desk.
- Mar 19Senate adopted Amendment (Amendment 1 - SA0653)
- Vote recorded FLOOR VOTE: as Amended Third Consideration 3/19/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 19Passed Senate as amended, Ayes 26, Nays 6Passed Senate
- Mar 19Engrossed; ready for transmission to HouseMinor
- Mar 19Sponsor(s) Added.Minor
- Mar 17Placed on Senate Regular Calendar for 3/19/2026
- Mar 11Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 1 PNV 0
- Vote recorded TRANSPORTATION AND SAFETY COMMITTEE: Recommended for passage with amendment/s, refer to Senate Calendar Committee Ayes 8, Nays 1 PNV 0 3/11/2026 Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Mar 4Action deferred in Senate Transportation and Safety Committee to 3/11/2026
- Mar 4Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/11/2026
- Feb 25Placed on Senate Transportation and Safety Committee calendar for 3/4/2026
- Jan 22Passed on Second Consideration, refer to Senate Transportation and Safety CommitteeMinor
- Jan 21Introduced, Passed on First ConsiderationMinor
- Jan 16Filed for introductionIntroduced
TransportationPublic SafetyEconomy & Jobs