FMCSA Issues New Medical Requirement Rules for Commercial Truck and Bus Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a final rule that will require states to merge the commercial driver's license (CDL) and the driver's medical examination certificate into a single electronic record.

When fully implemented by the states in three years, the new combined CDL will streamline record keeping obligations for the states and CDL holders, while providing instant electronic access to the CDL holder's medical certificate by state and federal enforcement officials.

In addition, the rule requires states to take enforcement actions against CDL holders if they do not provide medical certification status information within the deadline.

Additionally, the FMCSA issued a related rulemaking that would establish a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to ensure that physical qualification examinations of CDL holders are performed by qualified medical practitioners and are administered in a uniform and consistent manner.

The final rule on Medical Certification Requirements as Part of the CDL is available for review at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.