Requires commercial driver's license knowledge and skills tests to be administered only in English without an interpreter, with an exemption for individuals who qualify under a federal exemption, and directs the department of safety to adopt implementing rules.
(New Title) requiring the department of safety to only administer tests for commercial driver's licenses in English and prohibiting the assistance of an interpreter during such tests.
HB1252 would require the Department of Safety/DMV to administer commercial driver's license skills tests only in English and would bar the use of an interpreter during the test. A couple of submissions support the bill as a road-safety and test-integrity measure, while the overwhelming majority oppose it, primarily calling it discriminatory toward immigrants and non-English speakers and warning it would worsen an existing commercial driver shortage.
A submitter argues that operating very large commercial vehicles requires the ability to read road signage, framing this as a common-sense safety requirement.
A submitter questions how the skills test would be reliably enforced with an interpreter present, raising concern that this could compromise the examiner-applicant dynamic during a moving-vehicle test.
Submitters describe the bill as discriminatory, anti-immigrant, or bigoted, arguing it unfairly targets people because they do not speak English rather than because of their driving ability.
“Please stop with these ridiculous mean spirited bills that are designed to make life more difficult for our immigrant neighbors.”
— Jessamyn Fiore, Chesterfield · #652425 — read full submission →
“Driving is essential in NH, and we want people to be able to work, attend school, and participate in society no matter what language they speak. This bill is racist and discriminatory.”
— Karen Rent, Keene · #652538 — read full submission →
Submitters argue the bill would shrink an already-limited pool of qualified commercial drivers, disrupting supply chains, raising prices, and costing immigrant workers employment opportunities.
“Creating barriers for non-English speaking applicants is expected to result in reduction of drivers and supply-chain disruptions. According to industry leaders, qualified drivers are already in short supply.”
— Nancy Jerauld, Litchfield · #652424 — read full submission →
“This bill is slap yourself on the back, make some headlines, grandstanding. When this language requirement means far fewer waste management and other municipal service drivers who will do these needed jobs?”
— Hannah Eldridge, DOVER · #641578 — read full submission →
Submitters argue that language proficiency is separate from driving competence, that applicants already meet federal safety and English-proficiency standards, and that banning interpreters does not improve (and may reduce) safety.
“If a driver can safely operate a commercial vehicle, follow traffic laws, read required road signage, and meet all federal English proficiency requirements already in place, then banning interpreter assistance during the skills exam adds a barrier without clearly improving safety outcomes.”
— Katherine Moretti, Rochester · #652212 — read full submission →
“An interpreter doesn't give them the answers, just ensures they have really learned the rules of the road. We want these tests to be accurate, after all.”
— Julie Zimmer, Peterborough · #652325 — read full submission →
Submitters note there is no official U.S. or NH language, and argue the state should not restrict opportunity based on what language a person speaks.
“English is not the official national language. America and New Hampshire are both melting pots for people who speak all sorts of languages.”
— James Hiltz, Pembroke · #652455 — read full submission →
“There is no official language of the United States. People who speak all languages should have the same opportunities in the Live Free or Die state.”
— Veronica Joyce, Manchester · #643197 — read full submission →
Submitters point out that translation tools such as phone apps could bridge any language gap, making a strict interpreter ban an outdated solution.
A submitter argues the bill is discriminatory and unconstitutional, warning that the state would waste public funds defending it in court.
Generated by claude-sonnet-5 (claude code agent) on Jul 22, 2026. Quotes are verbatim excerpts, verified against the cited submission before publication. Summaries are AI interpretation of the record, not part of it.
Our national economy requires transportation by commercial drivers. Skill tests in English only with no available interpreter limits our commerce. It also limits individuals’ opportunities to earn a living.
I OPPOSE HB 1252, requiring the department of motor vehicles to only administer the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses in English and prohibiting the support of an interpreter for the administration of the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses.
this bill is unnecessary and unkind
Signs have symbols, you do not need to speak English to drive safely.
We can’t find enough commercial drivers to fill these jobs as it is. Why would you reduce the pools of applicants??
Passing this Bill will be negative for the economy of New Hampshire.
I would want every truck driver in this country to pass a driver's license test, no matter what language they speak! This is about safety on our roads!!
Driving is essential in NH, and we want people to be able to work, attend school, and participate in society no matter what language they speak. This bill is racist and discriminatory.
I oppose this and any other bill whose aim is to make life more difficult for our immigrant neighbors.
My opposition is two fold: This bill will prevent able people from qualifying to join a workforce that is necessary to businesses throughout NH as well as preventing able people from earning a living and providing for themselves and their families.
I am in opposition to this bill. This is discrimination against hard working migrants who have crossed the border legally and are attempting to make a life for their families. If you’re not interested in seeing it from a human life perspective, think about how much more the costs of food will go up. Think about how much money businesses will lose.
This harmful bill requires the department of motor vehicles to only administer the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses in English and prohibiting the support of an interpreter for the administration of the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses. We are a nation of immigrants and we should be doing what we can to help get them gainfully employed.
This is an unnecessary and discriminatory measure that will undermine public safety.
Have you nothing better to do with your time?
This bill requiring the department of motor vehicles to only administer the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses in English and prohibiting the support of an interpreter for the administration of the skills test for commercial driver’s licenses is any oxymoron concept. We are a nation of immigrants from all over the world who are entitled to an interpreter if necessary. I am appalled that anyone would deny an interpreter to someone who speaks another language.
How is this enforced? What prevents an examiner from cheating for fear of applicant not understanding his commands while the car is moving?
Well, this would be a terrible fuckin' idea even if it magically added no cost to the enforcement overhead. Helps no one and hurts a few people, on the tax payer dime.
By ignoring the NH Supreme Court's decisions for 30+ years, the Legislature has imposed the most burdensome property taxes on the people of New Hampshire. Time to make it right!
English is not the official national language. America and New Hampshire are both melting pots for people who speak all sorts of languages. The government should be not be forcing English to be used during these tests just to see if a person knows how to use a car or can take a test.
Government should work to make all people’s lives better, not punish a population scapegoated by a powerful minority.
Let's give everyone in NH the opportunity to work to provide for their families and contribute to the state's economy. This bill shuts off opportunities for gainful employment. I oppose it for these reasons.
I strongly urge you to oppose HB 1252 which requires the NH DMV to only administer skill tests for commercial drivers licenses in English and further prohibits the use of translation services in administering the exam. Why place a further an and unnecessary burden on folks who are only trying to get a commercial license in order to improve themselves economically. Thank you for your consideration, John Walsh
Discrimination. Shame on you. Not to mention, we can't afford it! I've worked in the wholesale grocer field, and finding enough drivers is incredibly difficult in today's economy. Your idiotic bill will make it more difficult to move product (like eggs) to fill grocery stores. That product will then see a price hike - supply and demand - which will apply to your mf eggs.
Female
Our economy needs all of the safe, competent drivers we can find. this bill will reduce the number of these tyes of drivers. Support the NH economy, OPPOSE THIS BILL. Sincerely, Michele Chalice