TN HB1023

Commercial driver license holders must be able to read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the public, understand traffic signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and complete required reports per federal regulations (49 CFR 391.11(b)(2))

Enforcement officers must issue out-of-service orders to commercial drivers who fail English proficiency requirements during safety inspections, and the vehicle cannot be operated until a qualified substitute driver arrives

Commercial driver licenses will be suspended for English proficiency violations until the driver passes a state-administered English language proficiency test developed by the Department of Safety

Employers are liable for all fines and fees related to license suspension/reinstatement, and violations constitute a Class C misdemeanor with a $500 fine issued to the employer as a nonmoving traffic violation

Deaf drivers with federal hearing exemptions who can read and write English are exempt from the speaking requirement; the act takes effect January 1, 2026, with immediate effect for rulemaking purposes