Traveling state to state, living the dream, and helping transport America’s economic goods is a career that three and a half million Americans enjoy doing. Unfortunately, a medical clearance card is required for an individual to drive nationwide, and it must be renewed often. However, the job is challenging, long hours and health is always a concern.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires the Department of Transportation Medical Card to be renewed every two years. However, the medical examiner may issue a certificate for less than two years due to underlying medical conditions in some specific circumstances.
The FMCSA medical card, also known as the D.O.T medical card, is required to drive commercial vehicles nationwide. In addition, when crossing over state lines, the medical card is one of the documents needed in a traffic stop or scale inspection. Therefore, having the medical card valid and up to date is not only a legal requirement, but it can get you parked at a scale until it is updated.
What Materials Do I Need to Renew My DOT Medical Card?
What documents are needed will depend on the underlying health issues known to the applicant. The medical examiner will ask several questions about different health issues that may or may not be present within the applicant. If aware that an underlying health impairment exists, you want to be prepared with the proper documentation to provide to the medical examiner.
The most common items needed to renew my medical card are:
- List of all current medications
- Driver’s License
- Payment
- Medical documentation for specific health issues
- Letter from a primary care doctor in some cases
Specialized circumstances, such as permanent limb disablement or loss, high blood pressure, sleep apnea, diabetes, and any heart-related issues, will all have different paperwork requirements from the FMCSA. Also, do not forget glasses and hearing aids, as the exam requires a sight/hearing test.
Sleep Apnea is one of those specialized circumstances where a medical examiner may require anywhere from 90 days to a year’s worth of data from the CPAP machine. In addition, taking any type of anxiety medication or medication that causes drowsiness requires a primary care doctor’s clearance.
What Happens to My CDL if My Medical Card Expires?
Since obtaining a medical exam can be accomplished in any state nationwide, there is no documented grace period. The state where the medical exam is taken does not have to be the driver’s home state. If out on a long haul, it is perfectly feasible to obtain a medical certificate at any location to complete an FMCSA medical examination.
When the medical card expires, the driver’s license that it accompanies is downgraded to a regular non-CDL license until the medical exam is submitted. After the proper documentation is resubmitted and approved, the driver’s license returns to a commercial status unless expired or expressly written pending documentation or approval.
Exemptions
Depending on the state in which the driver is licensed, an intrastate exemption may be an option. In addition, some states will allow non-registered drivers to operate within the bounds of the state line, not requiring a medical card. Finally, an exemption or registration in a non-regulated category may provide non-active commercial license holders a state exemption.
Grace Periods
Different states have different grace periods for medical cards that have lapsed. For example, some states, such as Kansas, will give thirty days without re-testing, while Indiana gives one year. During this “grace period,” the commercial license is still not valid, but re-taking the commercial exam, or a portion of it, may become part of the requirement to regain a commercial endorsement on the driver’s license.
What Conditions Would Disqualify Me from Getting a Medical Card?
The Federal Motor Safety Administration disqualifies individuals for having certain medical conditions that may pose a risk to the health and safety of the public. These regulations exist to keep the roads safe; other families are on the road. In addition, the FMCSA has developed a set of standards for some health issues and a flat-out denial for more severe health issues.
Several different health conditions disqualify drivers from obtaining a DOT medical card. These requirements do not vary state by state, and in some cases, exemptions are available.
Some of the most common items include:
- Heart Conditions (not all)
- Epilepsy
- Ear Disease (vertigo)
- Vision Impairment (worse than 20/40)
- Hearing Impairment
- Use of Controlled Substances even if prescribed by a physician
- Unstable Diabetes
- High Blood Pressure (stage 3 and above)
- Kidney Disease
There is an appeals process for people who feel the medical examiner made a mistake in their judgment. Several appeals can be made for conditions such as seizures, hearing loss, vision impairment, diabetes, and other medical conditions.
Final Thoughts
The Transportation industry fuels the American Economy. But, in addition, there is truly little physical activity, with lengthy periods where an individual is sitting in one spot, making health care a serious concern. As a result, health conditions can rise rapidly, and even worse, the likelihood of an event happening while the truck is in motion is terrifying.
Therefore, keeping the medical card up to date is suitable for the driver’s health checks and public safety.