After New Mexico released bodycam footage of a traffic stop with Harjinder Singh, the driver whose triple-fatal Florida turnpike crash ignited a firestorm over foreign CDL drivers and English language proficiency, DOT doubled down, saying New Mexico's handling of the stop lead to "deadly results."
It's the latest salvo in a heated back and forth between DOT and three states -- California, Washington and New Mexico. It came after New Mexico disputed DOT's account of a July 3 traffic stop with Singh, complete with video evidence.
The episode highlights how difficult English language proficiency can be to consistently enforce.
DOT had accused New Mexico Tuesday of showing no willingness to comply with ELP enforcement and letting drivers with previous OOS orders go free. DOT went as far as saying it would pull up to $47 million in federal funding for the three states if they did not come into compliance within 30 days.
New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler responded with his own account of seeking clarification from DOT on ELP enforcement, and said inspectors at roadside can't readily see if a driver has been put OOS. Furthermore, NMSP released bodycam video of the traffic stop with Singh that shows the driver communicating in English with the inspector throughout the stop.
On Wednesday, DOT shot back. "The claim that federal guidance on English Language Proficiency (ELP) was not provided to New Mexico is false," a spokesperson said. "On May 20, FMCSA issued clear, revised guidance for ELP inspections. Following that, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) distributed this guidance to all states, including New Mexico."
The spokesperson added that the actions were taken "well in advance of the June 25 enforcement date, giving every state enough time to prepare."
