English proficiency-commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Plain English Breakdown

The effectiveness of penalties in preventing violations is uncertain, but this information is not provided by the official source.

English Proficiency for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers

This law requires commercial motor vehicle drivers to prove they can speak English well and bans those who cannot from driving such vehicles, with fines and possible jail time for violators.

What This Bill Does

• Requires operators of commercial motor vehicles to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.
• Bans operators of commercial motor vehicles from operating if they cannot demonstrate English proficiency.
• Imposes a $1,000 fine on those who violate this requirement.
• Makes it a misdemeanor and imposes an additional $1,000 fine for continuing to drive after being banned.
• Authorizes the Wyoming Highway Patrol Division and other officers to enforce these rules.

Who It Names or Affects

• Commercial motor vehicle drivers in Wyoming
• Law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing traffic laws

Terms To Know

proficiency in the English language

The ability to speak, read, and write English well enough to understand and follow rules.

misdemeanor

A crime that is less serious than a felony but more serious than an infraction.

Limits and Unknowns

• The law does not specify how proficiency in English will be tested.
• It is unclear what happens to commercial drivers who are banned from driving and cannot prove English proficiency.

Official Summary Text

Bill Summary - 26LSO-0173

Bill No.:

HB0032

Effective:

Immediately

LSO No.:

26LSO-0173

Enrolled Act No.:

HEA No. 0007

Chapter No.:

36

Prime Sponsor:

Joint Transportation, Highways & Military Affairs Interim Committee

Catch Title:

English proficiency-commercial motor vehicle drivers.

Has Report:

No

Subject:

Commercial motor vehicle drivers and proficiency in the English language.

Summary/Major Elements:

This act prohibits operators of commercial motor vehicles from operating a commercial motor vehicle within Wyoming if the operator is unable to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

This act imposes a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) on any operator of a commercial motor vehicle who violates the English language proficiency requirement and prohibits the operator from operating a commercial motor vehicle until the operator is able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

This act subjects any operator of a commercial motor vehicle who operates a commercial motor vehicle under the imposed prohibition to a misdemeanor and a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00).

This act authorizes the Wyoming Highway Patrol Division, any other enforcement officers designated by the Wyoming Department of Transportation, and any peace officer of any county or municipality to enforce the provisions of this act and issue citations for any violations.

The above summary is not an official publication of the Wyoming Legislature and is not an official statement of legislative intent.

While the Legislative Service Office endeavored to provide accurate information in this summary, it should not be relied upon as a comprehensive abstract of the bill.

Current Bill Text

26LSO-0173

ORIGINAL House

Bill No
.
HB0032

ENROLLED ACT NO. 7,

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

SIXTY-EIGHTH LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WYOMING
2026 Budget Session

AN ACT relating to motor vehicles; requiring operators of commercial motor vehicles to demonstrate proficiency in the English language; prohibiting operators of commercial motor vehicles who cannot demonstrate English language proficiency from operating commercial motor vehicles as specified; providing criminal penalties; providing definitions; making conforming amendments; and providing for an effective date.

Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Wyoming:

Section 1
.

W.S. 31
‑
18
‑
608 is created to read:

31
‑
18
‑
608.

English language proficiency for operators of commercial vehicles; penalties.

(a)

As used in this section, "proficiency in the English language" means an operator of a commercial vehicle can demonstrate proficiency of the English language in accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 391.11(b)(2).

(b)

No operator of a commercial vehicle shall operate a commercial vehicle within this state if the operator is unable to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. Any operator of a commercial vehicle who violates this subsection shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1,000.00) and shall be prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle within this state until the operator is able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language.

(c)

Any operator of a commercial vehicle who operates a commercial vehicle within this state while under the prohibition imposed by subsection (b) of this section shall, upon conviction, be guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by an additional fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000.00), by imprisonment for not more than ninety (90) days, or both.

Section 2.

W.S. 31
‑
18
‑
701 by creating a new subsection (d) is amended to read:

31
‑
18
‑
701.

Specific crimes and penalties; enforcement.

(d)

The highway patrol division, any other enforcement officers designated by the department and any peace officer of any county or municipality shall:

(i)

Be charged with the duty of policing and enforcing the provisions of W.S. 31
‑
18
‑
608; and

(ii)

Have the authority to issue citations for violations for any provisions of W.S. 31
‑
18
‑
608.

Section 3
.

This act is effective immediately upon completion of all acts necessary for a bill to become law as provided by Article 4, Section 8 of the Wyoming Constitution.

(END)

Speaker of the House

President of the Senate

Governor

TIME APPROVED: _________

DATE APPROVED: _________

I hereby certify that this act originated in the House.

Chief Clerk

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