Teska: Ohio Drivers Must Be Able to Understand English

Months of meetings, law enforcement collaboration, and legislative work aimed at producing action before year's end

October 6, 2026

Image that says Press Release and includes a picture of Rep. Teska

State Representative Michelle Teska (R-Clearcreek Twp.) is pushing for legislative action before the end of the year to strengthen Ohio's driver licensing laws and address concerns about English proficiency and improperly licensed drivers on Ohio roadways.

The issue gained attention in Warren County following law enforcement encounters with drivers from Uzbekistan, including commercial drivers, raising concerns about licensing and English proficiency. Teska has emphasized that the issue is not nationality, but ensuring every driver on Ohio roads can safely operate a vehicle, understand traffic signs, and communicate with law enforcement.

"This is about public safety," Teska said. "It doesn't matter where you were born. If you are driving on Ohio roads, you need to understand our laws, read our road signs, and safely operate your vehicle."

Teska has met extensively with Warren County officials, state agencies, law enforcement, and prosecutors. She also participated in a ride-along with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, allowing her to see firsthand the challenges deputies encounter on the road.

In August, Teska organized a major policy meeting bringing together the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the Motor Carrier Enforcement unit, Department of Public Safety, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Warren County law enforcement and prosecutors, and fellow legislators to identify gaps in licensing and enforcement.

That meeting has produced concrete action. Teska has drafted and worked on amendments to strengthen driver licensing requirements, including language connected to Rep. Jean Schmidt's (R-Loveland) House Bill 753 requiring driver examinations to be administered in English. Concerns raised during the meeting also resulted in follow-up with prosecutors regarding Ohio's criminal-record "masking" process and its impact on information available to law enforcement.

Teska is now working with her colleagues to advance legislative changes during the remaining months of the General Assembly, with the goal of seeing reforms enacted before the end of the year.

"We have spent months identifying the problems and developing solutions," Teska said. "Now it's time to act. I am working with my colleagues to get meaningful reforms across the finish line before the end of this General Assembly and make Ohio's roads safer."