Q: Several of my
drivers have received a letter from our state driver licensing agency. The
letter asks the drivers about the type of commercial driving they perform. The
letter says the drivers must turn in this information and a copy of their
medical card. What is this all about?
A: By January
30, 2014, a CDL holder must provide a self-certification document addressing
the type of commercial driving he/she performs to his/her state driver
licensing agency. The driver will need to certify that he/she operates under
one of the following four categories:
- Non-excepted interstate;
- Excepted interstate;
- Non-excepted intrastate; and
- Excepted intrastate.
Each state has
its own specific form that addresses the self-certification requirement that
must be completed by the driver. If the driver is in the non-excepted
interstate category, he/she is also required to provide a copy of his/her valid
and current medical examiner’s certificate/card. Do note that a state licensing
agency may also request a copy of the medical card for non-excepted intrastate
drivers. Check with your state for additional details.
Q: What happens
if a driver does not turn in these documents to his/her state licensing agency
by January 30, 2014?
A: The state
licensing agency will notify the driver that his/her CDL has been downgraded to
a non-CDL class. All CDL privileges will be removed from the license.
Q: Is this a
one-time task or does the driver have to turn in a new self-certification form
and medical card every time he/she gets a new physical?
A: The new
medical card must be turned in each time the driver gets a new card, but the
self-certification is only turned in when a driver:
- Applies for a CDL;
- Renews a CDL;
- Applies for a higher class of CDL;
- Applies for a new endorsement on a CDL; or
- Transfers a CDL from another state.
Q: Once the
driver turns in the self-certification and a copy of his/her medical card does
he/she have to continue to carry the card?
A: Yes. The
driver is required to continue to carry the medical card and provide a copy to
his/her motor carrier for placement in his/her driver qualification file. This
is required until January 30, 2014.
Q: As a motor
carrier, how will I document that the driver has a valid medical card if one
isn’t required in the driver’s qualification file?
A: As of January
30, 2014, this information will be included on the driver’s driving record.
Motor carriers will be required to obtain a copy of the driving record that
includes the driver’s current medical card status and place the documentation
in the driver’s qualification file.
Q: Will drivers
have to carry the medical card after January 30, 2014?
A: As of January
30, 2014, when a driver’s current medical information is on his/her driving
record, the driver won’t need to carry the medical card. However, when a driver
gets a new medical card and gives it to the state licensing agency, it will
take the agency up to 10 days to update the driver’s record. During that
interim period, drivers and employers will need to use the medical card as
proof of certification, and can do so for up to 15 days after it was issued.
Once the employer verifies that the driving record was updated, the driver no
longer has to carry the card.
Q: How about
non-CDL holders who operate commercial motor vehicles between 10,001 and 26,000
pounds?
A: Non-CDL
holders are required to continue carrying their medical card, and their motor
carriers are required to continue maintaining a copy in each driver’s
qualification file.
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