Medical Card Driver Examination
All commercial drivers of vehicles in interstate commerce with a maximum gross vehicle weight rating of over 10,000 pounds (4,536 kilograms) are required to obtain and maintain a valid Medical Examiner's Certificate (ME Certificate) Commercial drivers who drive vehicles requiring a CDL have two additional requirements. On or before January 30, 2014, all CDL holders must declare to their State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA) that they only operate or expect to operate commercially in 1 of 4 possible categories with their CDL. This process is called self-certification. For more information on the self-certification categories see the Self-Certification FAQ's.
The Department of Transportation medical certification is a certifying credential commercial drivers complete to demonstrate physical, mental and emotional fitness to perform in a commercial driving role. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) awards this credential to commercial vehicle drivers after they complete a physical examination through DOT-approved medical providers. Completing the physical examination is a requirement for receiving your DOT Medical Examiner’s Certificate and operating safety-sensitive driving equipment. Additionally, each state’s criteria can vary, so it’s important to research the exact requirements your state transportation department establishes.
Those operating the following vehicles in interstate commerce need to have a DOT medical exam:
Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), or gross combination weight (GCW) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more; or
Vehicles designed to transport more than 15 people, or more than 8 people when there is direct compensation involved; or
Vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require the vehicle to be placarded.
The criterion in this definition that causes confusion is the vehicle weight. The general weight criterion for which a CDL is needed is 26,001 pounds. The weight criterion for which a physical is needed is 10,001 pounds. So, interstate drivers of vehicles between 10,001 and 26,001 pounds (not hauling hazmat) need to have a medical exam but do not need to have a CDL. (The other DQ requirements apply as well.)
For intrastate drivers, it depends on what the state has adopted for the weight criterion. A number of states use the same 10,001-pound criterion as is found in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Other states have increased the weight limit to anywhere from 12,000 pounds up to 26,001 pounds (which does coincide with the CDL requirements). A few states also have other exemptions that may except certain individuals from the medical requirement.
Non-CDL drivers who are subject to the medical exam requirement must have a valid medical certificate (DOT med card) in their possession while driving, and their employing motor carrier must have a copy of the certificate in the driver’s qualification file.
Drivers who hold a CDL or commercial learner’s permit (CLP) must provide each new certificate to their state licensing agency and carry a copy for at least 15 days after issuance, until their state driving record (MVR) is updated. Their employing motor carrier must also have a copy of the certificate in the file for up to 15 days. By the end of those 15 days, a new MVR must be placed in the employee’s file as proof of medical certification.
A commercial driver, which includes CDL and non-CDL drivers alike, must be medically certified at least once every 24 months.
All DOT-required exams for interstate drivers must be performed by an examiner who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners website. States may also require use of the National Registry for their in-state-only drivers.
DOT-qualified medical examiners may hold a variety of titles, including: doctors of medicine, doctors of osteopathy, physician assistants, advanced practice nurses, and doctors of chiropractic. A licensed optometrist may perform the vision portion of the examination.
The original or a photocopy of the medical examiner’s certificate must be provided to carry on his or her person. Another copy must be given to the motor carrier to retain in the driver’s qualification file. For non-excepted interstate CDL drivers, the medical card is only accepted as temporary record of medical certification. Within 15 days of the exam, the motor carrier must have a motor vehicle record showing the new exam was entered to show medical status.
Some drivers may be issued a certificate that is valid for less than two years if there are any health concerns, such as high blood pressure.
Find your examiner near by on National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners website.
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