DOT medical card is a medical clearance to indicate you’re fit to drive commercial vehicles. The procedure checks for mental, emotional, and physical well-being before you’re authorized to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The biggest challenge for many truck drivers is knowing how to check for DOT medical card status.
A DOT medical card lasts for two years (24 months), and it expires by default after this period. You can check the status of your DOT card by using any of these methods:
- Use the SAFER website to search for your DOT number
- Submit an email and receive a tracking number
- Use a phone number (800 832 2560)
This article will look at these steps in detail, whether you can still use your CDL after the DOT medical card has expired, and the window period you can still drive after the DOT medical card has expired.
How Can You Check the Status of Your DOT Medical Card?
Commercial driving is one of the most dangerous and tasking driving, and being in your prime condition is not only a necessity but also a requirement. A DOT medical card is a clearance showing you’re in good condition to operate and drive a commercial vehicle. Before you get the card, you’re subjected to physical inspection to inspect your eyesight, hearing, and your physical response.
Additionally, you’re taken through a series of mental and emotional tests to check for your stress response and mental health condition. Medical conditions such as blood pressure are also considered.
DOT medical cards have a two-year lifespan, and you’re supposed to renew them once they expire. However, you can still check to know their status and ensure everything is in order by using one of these methods.
Use the SAFER Website
Visit the SAFER website to check the status of your DOT medical card by searching the name, MC number, or USDOT number. It’s the easiest and quickest way of getting this information.
Send an Email
Another option is using the contact form on this website to send an email. You’ll be provided with a tracking number that you can use to follow up on your case. It’s a little bit slower and favors those not in a hurry to obtain this information.
Calling the Customer Service
If you need instant results and time is not on your side, then calling customer services is the only option. You can use the phone number 800-832-2560 to get in touch with one of the agents. Make sure you have all the details with you before making this phone call.
Can You Still Use Your CDL After DOT Medical Card Has Expired?
Now that you know how to check your DOT card’s status, you may be wondering if you can use it when it’s expired.
Some states allow you to use your CDL after a DOT medical card has expired, but only for a short time. You must initiate the renewal process and avoid driving with an expired DOT medical card for long. Get in touch with local authorities to know how long you can drive with an expired DOT medical card.
What’s the Window Period for Driving with an Expired DOT card?
Since you can’t use an expired DOT card forever, what’s the window period for driving with it invalid?
On average, you’re allowed 60 days to drive with an expired DOT card in many states. However, the period is subject to change, with some states allowing for a lengthy one while others prefer immediate renewal.
Why You Shouldn’t Drive with an Expired DOT Card
Just like a driver’s license, driving with an expired DOT card is bad. But why?
Here are some risks of driving with an expired DOT card:
- CDL suspension – you might lose your commercial driver’s license if you’re caught driving with an expired DOT card.
- Jail time – it’s a felony to break any traffic rules, and this includes driving without a valid DOT card, which might result in a few weeks of jail time.
- Fines – you might consider yourself lucky if you’re only fined for driving with an expired DOT card. However, the sum could be hundreds of dollars.
- Fresh testing – if you delay without renewing your DOT card, you’re risking going through the testing anew, which might take longer than renewing the card.
Now you know everything about your DOT medical card’s status and what happens when it expires.
Final Thoughts
A DOT card is crucial as it clears you to drive commercial vehicles and proves you’re medically fit to be on the road. You can check the status of this card by searching your name, MC number, or DOT number on the SAFER website. You can also submit an email through the website or contact the customer service through the phone. You can still drive with an expired DOT card, but only for a brief period of 60 days.