The controversial case of Indian-origin truck driver Harjinder Singh , who mowed three people in Florida after taking a wrong U-turn, took a new development after an old video shows him speaking in broken English with the police in July.
The New Mexico State Police released the video amid the controversy over his English skills, as the Department of Transportation said Singh failed miserably in the English language proficiency test, and therefore should not have got the driver's license.
But can Harjinder Singh speak English ?
The bodycam footage released is from July, when Harjinder Singh was pulled over for overspeeding.
Transportation secretary Sean Duffy said drivers need to be able to read road signs and speak English proficiently, warning that California, Washington state and New Mexico are not following this guidance and could risk losing federal funding. Duffy blamed the New Mexico Police for not following the rules and put Harjinder Singh out of service for not speaking English properly.
The New Mexico Police said Harjinder Singh was able to communicate in English as required; he was issued a speeding ticket, and no English Language Proficiency Test was administered, as it was not required. Such a test is only required when there is a challenge in communication, the New Mexico State Police said.
In his court appearance, Harjinder Singh used a translator, giving the idea that he has difficulty understanding English.
Singh, the Indian-origin illegal alien, who entered the US in 2018 without any documents, remains in the St Lucie County Jail without bond as the judge ruled that he could be a flight risk.
Is an English proficiency test must for drivers in US?
There is no nationwide English proficiency test, but most states require an individual to pass a written test about road rules and traffic signs. Road signs are in English and so a basic ability to understand the road signs is necessary. Also, the driving test is conducted in English but some states allow interpreters.
The New Mexico State Police released the video amid the controversy over his English skills, as the Department of Transportation said Singh failed miserably in the English language proficiency test, and therefore should not have got the driver's license.
But can Harjinder Singh speak English ?
The bodycam footage released is from July, when Harjinder Singh was pulled over for overspeeding.
New Mexico State Police Release Badge Cam
— American Truckers 🚛🦅 (@atutruckers) August 27, 2025
Harjinder Singh struggles to communicate with Officer
Officer clearly states that he doesn't understand Singh
New Mexico fails to perform English Proficiency Test
Law enforcement across the country have gotten so used to accommodating… pic.twitter.com/Riga14z1yX
Transportation secretary Sean Duffy said drivers need to be able to read road signs and speak English proficiently, warning that California, Washington state and New Mexico are not following this guidance and could risk losing federal funding. Duffy blamed the New Mexico Police for not following the rules and put Harjinder Singh out of service for not speaking English properly.
The New Mexico Police said Harjinder Singh was able to communicate in English as required; he was issued a speeding ticket, and no English Language Proficiency Test was administered, as it was not required. Such a test is only required when there is a challenge in communication, the New Mexico State Police said.
In his court appearance, Harjinder Singh used a translator, giving the idea that he has difficulty understanding English.
Singh, the Indian-origin illegal alien, who entered the US in 2018 without any documents, remains in the St Lucie County Jail without bond as the judge ruled that he could be a flight risk.
Is an English proficiency test must for drivers in US?
There is no nationwide English proficiency test, but most states require an individual to pass a written test about road rules and traffic signs. Road signs are in English and so a basic ability to understand the road signs is necessary. Also, the driving test is conducted in English but some states allow interpreters.
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