Frequently Asked Questions
The FMCSRs do not specify that the Medical Examiner must give a copy of the Medical Examiner's Certificate to the driver immediately following the examination. The Medical Examiner may require additional medical tests or reports from your treating physician.
Last Updated : April 1, 2014
The agency will issue a final decision within 180 days of the date it receives your completed application. However, if you leave out required information, it takes longer to complete your application.
Last Updated : April 1, 2014
When it was published, the rule affected about 3,100 carriers, of which about 1,000 are intrastate carriers and 2,100 were interstate carriers. Of this total number affected, about 2,400 of these carriers were small businesses.
Last Updated : April 14, 2014
The Medical Examiner would advise FMCSA of the location of the records and the range of dates during which examinations were conducted for that employer.The Agency would then contact the previous employer to obtain the necessary information.
Last Updated : May 30, 2019
FMCSA's information systems do not have crash statistics associated with the use of electronic navigation systems. However, even one truck or bus striking an overpass is one too many, which is why the Agency is taking action to ensure professional truck and bus drivers know the importance of selecting the right navigation system.
Last Updated : April 3, 2014
Each unit of intermodal equipment must identify the intermodal equipment provider (IEP) by its legal or trade name and USDOT number. Section 390.21(g)(4) gives an IEP four options for identifying its IME, which include:
- Marking the identification on the curb side of the item of equipment. The marking must be in letters that contrast sharply in color with the background on which the letters are placed. The identification code must be readily legible, during daylight hours, from a distance of 50 feet (15.24 meters) while the CMV is stationary. It must be kept and maintained in a manner that retains this legibility
- Placing the identification marking on a label placed upon the curb side of the item of equipment. The label must be readily visible and legible to an inspection official during daylight hours when the vehicle is stationary. The label must be a color that contrasts sharply with the background on which it is placed, and the letters must also contrast sharply in color with the background of the label. The label must be kept and maintained in a manner that retains this legibility
- Including the USDOT number of the IEP, as well as the vehicle identification number (VIN) and 4-character Standard Carrier Alpha Code (SCAC) and 6-digit unique identifying number on the interchange agreement so that it is clearly identifiable to an inspection official
- Placing the identification information on a document placed in a weather-tight compartment affixed to the frame of the item of IME. The color of the letters used in the document must contrast sharply in color with the background of the document. The document must include additional information to identify the specific item of IME (such as the VIN and 4-character SCAC and 6-digit unique identifying number)
- The marking information must be kept in an electronic database as stated in § 390.21(g)(4)(v). The electronic database must be available via real-time internet or through telephonic access. The system the industry uses to mark their intermodal equipment is GIER:
- Stands for the Global Intermodal Equipment Registry
- Can be accessed via the web or via the telephone at 877-511-4437
- Approximately 90% of intermodal equipment is registered in GIER
Last Updated : April 7, 2014
The driver should not return to driving sooner than 3 months after CABG, to allow the sternal incision to heal. The driver should meet all the following criteria:
Clearance by physician (usually cardiologist)
Resting echocardiogram with an LVEF >40% after CABG
Asymptomatic status with no angina
Last Updated : April 1, 2014
The fact that the driver possesses a valid Canadian commercial driver’s license, with the proper class for the vehicle configuration being operated, is proof that the driver demonstrated his/her ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
Last Updated : December 22, 2014
FMCSA will review the permit holder’s SMS scores monthly to determine if the carrier has exceeded intervention thresholds for either the HM BASIC or any two BASICs besides the HM BASIC for the preceding two consecutive months. Scores are based on carrier performance for the preceding 24 months according to CSA procedures. If the carrier has exceeded the HM BASIC or any other two BASICs for each month over a consecutive two-month period, FMCSA will identify the carrier for investigation with HM emphasis.
Last Updated : July 29, 2015
On June 29th, 2015, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice (Vol. 80, No.124, p. 37037), “Proposal for Future Enhancements to the Safety Measurement System (SMS)” for public comment. Any finalized changes to the SMS intervention thresholds will immediately apply to the HMSP program because the enhanced oversight determinations are based on carrier performance under various SMS intervention thresholds.
Last Updated : July 29, 2015
A first-time applicant who does not already have a US DOT number and is seeking broker authority must apply for operating authority via the Unified Registration System.
Companies with existing motor carrier authority should include their current USDOT Number on the OP–1 form when they register but leave the MC Number field blank. FMCSA will issue a separate MC Number for the broker authority. Source: 78 FR 54720, Sept. 5, 2013.
Last Updated : December 4, 2015
The issue and extent of safety belt discomfort was reviewed as a factor affecting driver safety belt use in the FMCSA-sponsored 2007 Safety Belt Technology Countermeasures Study.
Last Updated : April 15, 2014
Yes, if you are a resident of Mexico or Canada. Drivers certified in Canada are certified to drive in the United States, providing they meet U.S. requirements. For Mexican drivers, the medical examination is part of the Licencia Federal. It is not necessary for Mexican drivers to carry a separate medical certifying document.
A CMV operator from Canada or Mexico who has been issued a valid commercial driver’s license by a Canadian Province or the Mexican Licencia Federal is no longer required to have a medical certificate. The driver’s medical exam is part of the driver’s license process and is proof of medical fitness to drive in the United States. However, Canadian and Mexican drivers who have epilepsy or who are hearing-and-vision impaired are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Furthermore, Canadian drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provisions of the Canadian National Safety Code for Motor Carriers but who have been issued a waiver by one of the Canadian Provinces or Territories are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States. Similarly, Mexican drivers who do not meet the medical fitness provision of The Licencia Federal de Conductor but who have been issued a waiver by The Licencia Federal de Conductor are not qualified to drive CMVs in the United States.
Last Updated : February 12, 2020
Medical Examiners should follow the most current clinical guidelines; therefore after an MI, drivers should obtain an ejection fraction and ETT before returning to work and because of the CABG keeping the driver off work 3 months (not 2 as for MI) to allow time for sternal wound healing.
Last Updated : April 1, 2014
There is surgery for Meniere's Disease. The FMCSA is now reviewing this issue in relation to certification.
Last Updated : April 1, 2014
This is the Medical Examiner's decision.
Last Updated : April 1, 2014
No. Van trailers, flatbeds, tankers, and other types of trailers owned, leased, and maintained by motor carriers are not intermodal equipment for purposes of the IEP final rule (73 FR 76794) and are not subject to its requirements. Motor carriers are responsible for the systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of these commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
Last Updated : April 7, 2014
The IEP, the motor carrier, or designated agent should file a complaint with FMCSA against the party believed to be in noncompliance. They should call FMCSA’s Safety Violation and Consumer Complaint Hotline at 1-888-DOT-SAFT or e-mail the Hotline.
Last Updated : April 7, 2014
Yes, under 49 CFR § 382.305 question 8, the driver must be in DOT random for each employer they are employed with.
Last Updated : May 20, 2015
IEPs and motor carriers may use FMCSA’s DataQ’s system to electronically file questions or concerns.
Last Updated : April 3, 2014