Truckers and Travelers

Hello Fellow Truckers! It seems that a major change is coming January 30, 2012.  Remember when going to get your CDL either for the first time or for renewal?  You were simply asked if your medical certification was current?  they took your word for it.  Those days are about to end.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a final rule that will change the way states verify medical certification for the trucking industry.  Once the new ruling takes effect in each state, truckers will be required to present the original or a copy of the current medical examiner’s certification.  The state licensing office will then date stamp your certification card and return it to you, the driver.  The date-stamped card will be evidence of medical certification for 15 days.  The state then has 10 days from the day your card was stamped to enter your information into the CDLIS, or the Commercial Drivers License Information System.  The state will be required to keep a copy of the stamped certification card for 3 years from the date the CDL was issued.

Once the date-stamp certification card is entered into the system, trucker drivers won’t have to present the medical card for inpsections or employment.  Inspectors will have access to the CDLIS.  Motor carriers won’t be able to present the medical card anymore to prove a driver is qualified to get behind the wheel.  On January 30th, 2012, all motor carriers will have to include a copy of the CDLIS in their pro-rate book before drivers are allowed to operate a vehicle.  If your medical certification expires before your CDL, you will have to get it updated and present it to your licensing office or your CDL will be downgraded after 60 days.  Stay on top of your medical certification, Drivers!  This is another way we can keep profitable in the trucking business.  Be safe out there!!!