TN HB1817

Commercial driver license holders must demonstrate English language proficiency sufficient 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 drivers who fail English proficiency requirements during safety inspections, preventing vehicle operation until a qualified substitute driver arrives

The commissioner must suspend commercial driver licenses for English proficiency violations; reinstatement requires passing an English proficiency test administered by the Department of Safety (not third parties)

Employers are liable for all fines and fees from license suspensions/reinstatements and face a $500 fine (Class C misdemeanor) for violations, plus federal civil penalties

Deaf or hearing-impaired drivers with federal exemptions who can read and write English are exempt from the speaking requirement; the act takes effect January 1, 2027