Somali Driver Fails English Test After Wrong-Way Highway Stop in Missouri

A Dangerous Wrong-Way Driving Incident Sparks Federal Interest

A troubling incident involving a truck driver who was traveling the wrong way on Highway 61 in Lincoln County, Missouri, has raised serious concerns about commercial driver safety and language proficiency requirements. The situation began when the driver was pulled over by the Missouri State Highway Patrol for driving against traffic. According to authorities, the driver was unable to identify road signs required for a commercial driver’s license (CDL), which led to immediate action.

Co-anchor Mandy Murphey brought in FOX 2 reporter Chad Mira to discuss the potential consequences of the driver’s actions. Mira explained that while local prosecutors could only issue citations and revoke the driver’s license temporarily, the involvement of federal agencies like ICE followed quickly after the truck was inspected. This shift from a local traffic stop to a broader federal investigation highlights how one moment on the highway can trigger complex legal and safety questions.

A Viral Video and a Trooper’s Quick Response

Mira noted that a video of the incident had gone viral online, showing the Somali truck driver traveling for miles in the wrong direction on Highway 61. Sgt. Dallas Thompson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol described the events that followed: “The trooper remained in the area, eventually saw the vehicle, the truck in question, and conducted a traffic stop on him.”

After the stop, troopers discovered that the driver couldn’t complete the English proficiency test, which is a critical requirement for holding a CDL. This inability to understand road signs and communicate effectively raises serious concerns about the safety of commercial drivers on public roads.

Language Proficiency and Legal Consequences

Mira reported that the driver was cited for wrong-way driving and careless driving. However, local prosecutors said they could only issue citations, which led them to notify the U.S. Department of Transportation and ICE. One reason for this step, Mira explained, was that the driver, speaking through broken English, couldn’t identify a place of residence. This detail not only raised eyebrows but also sparked questions about accountability and follow-up in cases involving foreign drivers.

A wrong-way semi is not a harmless mistake—it can lead to catastrophic consequences if another driver is unaware of the danger. This incident underscores the importance of ensuring that commercial drivers are fully capable of understanding and following road signs and directions.

How Did He Get a CDL in the First Place?

Mira posed the question many viewers were thinking: how did this driver get a CDL if he couldn’t pass the English requirements? Sgt. Thompson explained that Missouri requires drivers to understand English, take the test in English, and pass the road sign test. However, Mira revealed a key twist—the driver’s CDL was not issued in Missouri but in Minnesota.

Mira reported that the driver’s company, Cargo Transportation LLC, is based in Hopkins, Minnesota. Attempts to reach the company by phone were unsuccessful, leaving a gap in the public narrative. When incidents like this occur, silence from employers can be frustrating, even if there are legal reasons for it.

Understanding Road Sign Requirements

To explain what drivers are typically tested on, Mira interviewed Troy Dennis, a driver training manager at Witte Bros. in Troy, Missouri. Dennis explained that road sign testing is part of obtaining a permit and that the process is similar to getting a regular driver’s license, just more extensive. He also highlighted that there is no minimum required hours for CDL training, which can lead to variations in preparation across different states.

Dennis emphasized the importance of safety, saying, “Every truck on the road is sharing space with your family and mine.” He expressed hope that all drivers take their responsibilities seriously.

Minnesota’s Response and Federal Investigation

Mira reached out to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, which stated that CDL applicants must pass English testing. He also reported that the U.S. Department of Transportation has removed 11,500 drivers in the past year for failing to meet English proficiency standards. This statistic adds context to the growing political attention on the issue.

U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the incident “disturbing” and vowed to ensure America’s roads are safe for families. While the DOT did not provide an interview, Mira confirmed that an investigation into Cargo Transportation LLC is underway.

A Second Driver and Unanswered Questions

Mira reported that a second driver was in the sleeper area of the truck when it was pulled over, and that individual took over once the first driver’s license was revoked. This detail suggests the truck was not left unattended but raises another concern: if a second driver was present, how did the wrong-way driving continue for miles before the stop?

Why This Case Is Sticking

This case resonates because it combines three elements the public finds unacceptable: a wrong-way vehicle, a large truck, and a system that appears to have failed before the danger became apparent. A commercial driver pulling over after a wrong-way incident, allegedly unable to complete an English proficiency test or identify road signs, highlights gaps in screening, training, and enforcement across state lines.

While the trooper’s quick response prevented a potential tragedy, the larger issue remains unresolved. Mira’s reporting makes it clear that this case is not just about one driver—it’s about whether the system consistently ensures that commercial drivers can understand signs, follow rules, and operate safely in every state.