In newly released body-worn camera footage, truck driver Harjinder Singh, who later became a central figure following a fatal collision in Florida, is seen being pulled over by New Mexico State Police on July 3. Singh communicates in broken English, at times misunderstood by the officer, especially after completing paperwork.
During the stop, the officer issues Singh a speeding citation for driving 60 mph in a 45-mph zone. Initially, communication is smooth, but later, the officer admits confusion over Singh’s wording. Singh—apologetic—repeats his question about how long the ticket would remain on his record. The officer estimates “five to seven years.”
This footage has ignited debate over whether Singh’s limited English constituted a communication barrier that should have triggered an English proficiency assessment. Federal investigators now assert that, had his language skill been tested, the deadly Florida crash might have been preventable.
States like New Mexico, along with California and Washington, are now facing warnings of lost federal funding unless they enforce English language standards for commercial drivers more rigorously.