Pugh Legislation to Enhance Public Safety with Improved CDL Driver Requirements

August 7, 2026

HARRISBURG - State Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-Luzerne) has introduced legislation designed to strengthen Pennsylvania's commercial driver's license (CDL) standards by reinforcing federally required English language proficiency requirements while enhancing safeguards within the Commonwealth's CDL licensing process.

"Pennsylvania is home to some of the busiest interstate highways in the nation. Every day, commercial truck and bus drivers operating some of the largest vehicles on our roads must be able to read highway signs, understand electronic message boards, follow emergency detours, communicate with law enforcement and emergency responders, and safely respond to changing road conditions," Pugh said. "Our first responsibility is protecting the traveling public, and when someone is operating an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle, the ability to understand and communicate in English is not simply a licensing requirement; it is an essential public safety standard."

House Bill 2723, also known as the Commercial Driver Public Safety Act, reinforces existing federal English language proficiency standards and strengthens the Commonwealth's licensing and verification process. Pugh's legislation requires commercial drivers to demonstrate the ability to:

• Read and understand highway signs and traffic signals in English.
• Communicate effectively with law enforcement officers and emergency responders.
• Respond to official inquiries.
• Complete required reports and records.

The legislation also strengthens Pennsylvania's commercial driver's license system by:

• Requiring PennDOT to verify English language proficiency before issuing or restoring a commercial driver's license.
• Requiring third-party CDL testing providers to verify applicants meet the English language proficiency standard and subjecting those providers to random PennDOT audits.
• Strengthening the verification of lawful immigration status for applicants seeking a Pennsylvania nonresident commercial driver's license through federally authorized verification systems.
• Establishing penalties, including disqualification from operating a commercial motor vehicle, for drivers who fail to meet the required English language proficiency standard.

Pugh noted that commercial drivers routinely encounter rapidly changing road conditions where the ability to understand posted information can make a significant difference during emergencies.

"Whether it's a major crash, severe weather, a hazardous materials incident, an AMBER Alert or another emergency where electronic message boards and emergency traffic signs provide real-time instructions that help keep motorists safe, commercial drivers must be able to quickly read, understand, and respond to those messages. This legislation helps reinforce the standards that protect not only the driver, but every family sharing Pennsylvania's roads," Pugh noted.

The legislation also updates Pennsylvania's testing procedures by requiring written and oral knowledge examinations to be administered in English while continuing to provide accommodations for individuals with hearing impairments as required under federal law.

"This is about ensuring Pennsylvania's commercial drivers are prepared to safely operate on our highways and respond appropriately when seconds matter," Pugh said. "Strong licensing standards help protect motorists, first responders and the professional drivers who keep our economy moving every day."

House Bill 2723 has been referred to the House Transportation Committee for consideration.

Representative Brenda Pugh
120th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Melissa Fox
717.260.6522
[email protected]