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Largecar2 · Joined: 26 Aug 2004 Posts: 7

Has anyone seen/read the whole contents of the proposed 'new' medical requirements? I read pieces and from what I read, there are going to be a lot of drivers failing medical exams. Raised bloodpressure level, history of heart attacks, strokes, diabetics - regardless, over 90 lbs overweight, etc..etc. The article said that studies have proven 'drivers' falling in these categories are more prone to more accidents (driver error) thus the proposed new medical requirements which are to be incorporated into the new HOS when it finally is decided.

Lady18wheels · Posted: Sat Dec 11, 2004 9:46 am Post subject:

I haven't seen any of it. Where can I find it?

sweeetkisses · Joined: 22 Dec 2004 Posts: 2 Location: Salisbury NC

Please tell me if this medication is prescribed to me, for my back, that i will not have a problem getting my CDL. Thanks

yoopr · Joined: 01 Dec 2004 Posts: 12866

The article said that studies have proven 'drivers' falling in these categories are more prone to more accidents

What article-who wrote it and this doesn't make any sense unless a driver has a stroke or something and has an accident because of it.

littleman2 · Joined: 03 Jul 2004 Posts: 1954 Location: Washington State

Largecar2 wrote: Has anyone seen/read the whole contents of the proposed 'new' medical requirements? I read pieces and from what I read, there are going to be a lot of drivers failing medical exams. Raised bloodpressure level, history of heart attacks, strokes, diabetics - regardless, over 90 lbs overweight, etc..etc. The article said that studies have proven 'drivers' falling in these categories are more prone to more accidents (driver error) thus the proposed new medical requirements which are to be incorporated into the new HOS when it finally is decided.
well there goes the trucking industry time to ship by rail 98 percent of all truckers would fail lol

Willie · Joined: 25 Oct 2006 Posts: 3

I need to read this report as well.

Uturn2001 · Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 6:54 pm Post subject:

If they make the medical requirements too stiff then there is a possibility of those requirements violating various laws against discrimination.

Until the FMCSA posts a proposed rule change I would take anything said with a grain of salt. Over the years I have read one article or another that says that things need to be clamped down on in one idustry or another and in the end nothing happened.

Myth_Buster · Posted: Wed Nov 01, 2006 10:06 pm Post subject:

Quote: thus the proposed new medical requirements which are to be incorporated into the new HOS when it finally is decided.

Medicals are historically tied to the CDL not the HOS.

Currently I know of three states that require a current medical for the CDL to be active:

1. California

2. Indiana

3. Wisconsin

http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/drivers/drivers/apply/types/cdl-medical.htm

http://www.aapxx.com/cdl/faq-in.html

http://www.aapxx.com/cdl/faq-ca.html

There is discussion of a federal mandate the CDL and medical be tied together.

Be safe.

stranger · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 59

Make that four states that require a medical to get a CDL. North Carolina.

When I got my medical renewed in August, the doctor told me that the government is working the kinks out of a plan that only allows government certified doctors to do driver physicals.

He seems to think this is coming about in 3 to 5 years at the most. Maybe sooner.

He claims the reason is to get drivers who have diabetes and need a needle, and any other drivers that now slip through with medically disqualifying problems to be weeded out.

I think a lot of drivers will be out of work if and when this takes place.

century451 · Joined: 05 Feb 2006 Posts: 202 Location: Sparta, MO

OK just for boredoms sake, most things being busted for in a 4 wheeler seems to effect the CDL and fines seem to possibly be greater as a CDL holder getting tickets in a 4 wheeler....... How does that medical being tied to a CDL fit in as the CDL also is an operators licence for the 4 wheeler and Motorcycle if you have that endorsement? Can some Leo interpret that as an invalid Licence for all..... because of an expired Medical?

stranger · Joined: 08 Oct 2006 Posts: 59

I don't think that you must have a valid medical to keep a CDL, you just have to have one to renew, or obtain the first CDL.

It's a good thing a medical doesn't have to be valid to keep a CDL. Mine was out for over 1 1/2 years, and I would not have renewed it when I did had my license not been about to expire.

I mark that lapse down to pure laziness. The company pays for it. I just kept putting it off.

I do feel much more at ease now when I cross the scales.

BanditsCousin · Joined: 05 Jun 2004 Posts: 3231 Location: Chicago, IL

I'm pretty sure you need a valid medical card in every state when you are operating a CDL type vehicle. When i got my permit, I had yet to do a DOT physical. It wasn't till about 2 months after getting my CDL that I went and had the DOT upon hire at the van line. My D license was still valid without a DOT exam, though.

So, is that 5 to the list? :)

Neckster · Joined: 24 Jul 2005 Posts: 55

I don't know about other States requirements but here in NY you do not need a medical card if your doing local work, or within the 100 miles driving range. I this this is a FMCSA reg, however I did not look it up. Of course each States requirements can be more stringent than FMSCA. You may want to look it up.

Neckster

GrannyJan · Joined: 08 Sep 2006 Posts: 7 Location: Western WA

Make it 6 to the list. When I got my license I had to prove that I've had the DOT physical. Have to carry proof with my drivers license, regardless of the vehicle I'm in. It's good for 2 years, and if I don't renew it on time I'll get a nice letter from the state telling me I can't drive until I do.

kc0iv · Joined: 03 Feb 2005 Posts: 1099 Location: Kansas City, MO

stranger wrote: Make that four states that require a medical to get a CDL. North Carolina.

When I got my medical renewed in August, the doctor told me that the government is working the kinks out of a plan that only allows government certified doctors to do driver physicals.

He seems to think this is coming about in 3 to 5 years at the most. Maybe sooner.

He claims the reason is to get drivers who have diabetes and need a needle, and any other drivers that now slip through with medically disqualifying problems to be weeded out.

I think a lot of drivers will be out of work if and when this takes place. Quote: Proof of liability insurance--Insurance is required in order to obtain a CDL.

I find this strange. Liability insurance is on truck not on the CDL holder. As this is written you have to have a vehicle in order to drive a truck.

Looking deeper I find NC has a exception. "The exemption restricts the driver to the operation of "Fleet Vehicles Only". To remove the restriction the driver must pay a $10.00 fee and submit DMV Form DL-123." So if you don't have a personal vehicle and get the wavier then later purchase a vehicle you will cost you an additional $10 bucks. Interesting.

Having taken several exams for a CDL I question requiring "only allows government certified doctors" would gain anything other than increase the cost of the exam. I have also taken several FAA medical exams and find them all lacking. How is the doctor going to know if a person is a diabetic? If that person doesn't declare it on the form. Sure it is against the law but so is many other things that they can't detect. I've had 2 strokes yet I can pass either a CDL or a FAA exam with no problem.

As much as I hate adding anything to the Feds I think it is about time for the Feds to create a Federal license when it comes to CDLs. Get the states out of the loop. One license with one set of requirements. Everyone be required to take the same test. If the states want to issue a license for drivers under 21 then they can do their own thing.

kc0iv

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