New law requires work authorization and English proficiency for commercial drivers as Alabama intensifies enforcement efforts with ALEA and federal partners.
MONTGOMERY, Ala. | Kay Ivey on Wednesday signed sweeping highway safety legislation designed to tighten enforcement standards for commercial truck drivers and strengthen oversight of the trucking industry across Alabama.
The measure, Senate Bill 242, requires commercial motor vehicle operators in Alabama with foreign commercial driver licenses (CDLs) to possess valid U.S. work authorization and mandates that all CDL holders demonstrate sufficient English-language proficiency to operate safely on American roadways.
The legislation, backed by the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency and the Alabama Trucking Association, aims to address safety concerns related to unqualified commercial drivers and fraudulent licensing practices.
Standing alongside state troopers and key lawmakers, Governor Ivey framed the bill as a necessary step to protect motorists while maintaining fairness for the state’s trucking workforce.
“Alabama’s economy is booming, and our hardworking truckers play a vital role in keeping goods moving across our state and across this country,” Ivey said. “At the same time, Alabama families travel these same highways every single day, and they deserve to know the rules are being enforced.”
The governor added that drivers who cannot read or communicate in English may be unable to properly interpret highway signage, follow safety protocols, or communicate with law enforcement during emergencies.
New Requirements for Commercial Drivers
Under SB242, commercial drivers operating in Alabama must meet several key requirements:
- Possess a valid U.S. work authorization if operating with a foreign CDL
- Demonstrate English language proficiency sufficient to understand traffic signage and communicate with enforcement officers
- Face criminal penalties for presenting fraudulent or false foreign CDLs during inspections or traffic stops
State lawmakers say the law reinforces existing federal safety standards while giving Alabama law enforcement stronger tools to remove unqualified drivers from the road.
State Sen. Lance Bell, the bill’s sponsor, said the measure helps protect motorists while supporting legitimate trucking companies.
“The Highway Safety and Fairness Act is about protecting Alabama families and ensuring the integrity of our trucking industry,” Bell said.
Rep. Steve Clouse, who carried the legislation in the House, said the bill ensures accountability throughout the state’s transportation system and establishes clear penalties for violations.
ALEA Enforcement Efforts Intensify
The law builds on enforcement initiatives already underway by ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit (MCSU), which regularly conducts roadside inspections and traffic stops involving commercial vehicles.
In addition, troopers routinely conduct English Language Proficiency (ELP) tests, federally required assessments designed to ensure commercial drivers can:
- Read highway signs
- Understand safety instructions
- Communicate effectively during inspections or emergencies
Since January 2025, ALEA’s Motor Carrier Safety Unit has issued 548 English-language proficiency violations to commercial drivers.
Safety Data Shows Declining Fatalities
State officials say the enforcement campaign has already produced measurable safety improvements.
In 2025, Alabama recorded 106 fatalities involving commercial motor vehicles, the lowest level since 2021. Officials also reported:
- 25% decline in CMV-related fatalities compared with late 2024
- 10% statewide decline in commercial vehicle fatalities from 2024 to 2025
ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said the new law will strengthen ongoing safety efforts.
“This legislation reinforces the work our Motor Carrier Safety Unit is already doing to ensure drivers operating large commercial vehicles on our roads are properly qualified, legally authorized to work, and able to communicate during inspections and emergencies,” Taylor said.
Industry Support from Trucking Leaders
Leaders within the trucking industry have also expressed support for the legislation.
Mark Colson, president and CEO of the Alabama Trucking Association, said SB242 provides law enforcement with additional tools to combat fraudulent licensing and unsafe operators.
Colson noted that many of the broader industry reforms are also being implemented at the federal level as part of a national policy initiative known as Trucking Resurgence, designed to strengthen licensing oversight and safety compliance across the country.
“This bill will save lives and help create a fair and level playing field in Alabama,” Colson said.
Implementation Timeline
The new law will take effect on October 1, 2026, giving state agencies and the trucking industry several months to prepare for compliance and enforcement changes.
State officials say the measure represents one of Alabama’s most aggressive steps yet to address safety concerns involving commercial motor vehicles, as the state continues to experience growth in freight traffic tied to expanding manufacturing and logistics sectors.
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-- By James W. Thomas
© Copyright 2026 JWT Communications. All rights reserved. This article cannot be republished, rebroadcast, rewritten, or distributed in any form without written permission.
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