FMCSA Streamlines Process For Truckers With Limited Vision

By: ClassADrivers.com

Vision is the truck driver’s most valuable sense, but mild vision impairment doesn’t mean that someone can’t pursue this career. Drivers with vision impairment in one eye may be relieved to know the FMCSA has issued a proposed rule that streamlines the current exemption program. If the regulation is passed, truck drivers previously restricted to intrastate transport for three years may be able to almost instantly switch to interstate hauls soon.

Current Exemption Process

Vision impairment in one eye can prevent rookie truckers from making interstate runs. As a result, many truck drivers who would prefer the higher salaries of over-the-road/long-haul are instead restricted to local or regional intrastate hauls. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), though, does have a current exemption process in place.

Here is how it works: First, truck drivers need a vision evaluation from an eye doctor, and then another with a doctor who must be well-versed in the FMCSA vision exam. These two segments ensure exam results and two separate professional medical opinions are recorded in a Vision Evaluation Report form. Then, if the driver has adequate vision rating, this information is submitted to the FMCSA for approval.

In the event the driver receives exemption, they still have to remain intrastate for three years. This waiting period of the exemption process is conducted to ensure truckers are able to drive long-haul routes cross country. This process can be tedious for truck drivers, however.

Fortunately for some vision-impaired drivers, FMCSA has re-evaluated the records of numerous truckers that have passed the three-year benchmark. Through these findings, FMCSA has determined that vision loss in one eye tends to result in a compensatory effect that mitigates vision loss, reducing the risks previously believed to be associated with single-eye vision impairment.

Taking this into consideration, the FMCSA has issued a proposed rule related to vision impairment. Dubbed 86 FR 2344, the regulation creates a new vision standard for drivers that are unable to meet any of the following in one eye.

  • Distant visual acuity
  • Field of vision standard

The new exemption process makes it possible for truckers with vision impairment in one eye to haul interstate commerce in certain situations.

New Vision Qualifications

Certain criteria for drivers are detailed in the proposed rule published on January 12th. These vision acuity requirements are listed below, and can be achieved with or without corrective lenses.

  • Distant visual of 20/40
  • 70° field of horizontal vision
  • Recognize traffic signal and other transportation device colors
  • Vision deficiency is stable
  • Adapted to change in vision
  • Show signs of vision compensation

Once the criteria above is confirmed, a road test is administered by motor carriers utilizing FMCSA requirements. Those able to pass the evaluation may bypass the three-year intrastate requirement and go straight to interstate transportation.

Current Drivers With Vision Impairment

In the proposed rule, truckers who already completed the three-year intrastate waiting period, were grandfathered in, or have a valid FMCSA vision exemption are not required to take the new road test.

As for those currently in the three-year intrastate stage, 86 FR 2344 may make it possible to bypass the remainder of time left by simply taking the aforementioned road test and meeting the other FMCSA requirements. For more information about the proposed rule, go here.