Illinois is under growing scrutiny as a surge in English language proficiency violations among commercial drivers raises safety and policy concerns. Since new federal inspection criteria were implemented in June, Illinois has issued 221 citations for English proficiency violations during commercial vehicle inspections—part of a larger trend that shows nearly 550 violations statewide year-to-date. That number is already approaching the total for all of 2024 and far surpasses the 385 reported in 2023.
Nearly 1 in 5 of these violations involve commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders from Illinois, according to the Illinois State Police (ISP). The rest involve drivers licensed in other states. Under federal regulations, ISP officers begin inspections in English, and if a driver appears unable to understand, they administer a formal English Language Proficiency (ELP) assessment.
State Rep. Adam Niemerg (R-Dieterich) is calling for urgent action. “It really does scare me,” Niemerg said in response to the rising number of Illinois-based violations. He also raised concerns about transparency after ISP declined a request from The Center Square to allow journalists to ride along with officers to observe these violations firsthand. “Maybe there’s something to hide,” Niemerg said, pointing to the agency’s direct accountability to Governor J.B. Pritzker.
The issue has gained even greater urgency following a recent fatal crash involving an illegal immigrant that killed Coles County official Mike Clayton and his wife, Gail. In response, Niemerg introduced House Bill 4184, which would require English proficiency and U.S. citizenship for individuals seeking a standard Illinois driver’s license.
Illinois currently allows non-citizens to obtain a standard driver’s license, though it does not meet federal REAL ID standards and cannot be used to board flights or enter federal buildings.
Niemerg pushed back against claims that his bill is discriminatory. “I don’t see anything racist about that in any way… for an individual to be able to read a sign, to be able to drive here in the state of Illinois,” he said.
