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Physical exam - Motor carrier
State
Applicability
Alabama
Applies to intrastate CMVs ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Vision and diabetes waivers may be granted in intrastate drivers who meet prescribed criteria.
Public Service Commission rules require that no person may drive or be permitted to drive who has:
- Loss of or loss of use of foot, leg, hand, or arm which interferes with his ability to control and safely drive a motor vehicle;
- A medical history of or current diagnosis of any condition or impairment likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a motor vehicle or likely to interfere with his ability to control a motor vehicle or likely to interfere with his ability to control and safely drive a motor vehicle; and
- Has a certificate that he has passed a medical examination as required by the Federal Department of Transportation within the preceding 24 months.
Alaska
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 14,000 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Arizona
Applies to GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. (single or combination) or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
The Arizona Department of Transportation may grant an intrastate waiver under specified conditions to an individual:
- Not meeting the vision requirements, or
- With a limb defect or impairment.
Arkansas
Applies to GVW, GVWR, GCW, GCWR ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
California
The requirements apply to drivers in possession of a CDL.
Physical exam, long form, and certificate required.
A current long form and certificate must be on file with DMV.
If driver does not meet the medical standards, DMV may issue a certificate allowing the driver to continue to drive if prescribed criteria are met.
Colorado
Applies to:
- Vehicle with apportioned plate GVWR or GCWR ≥ 16,001 lbs.
- Placardable hazmat
Physical exam and certificate required.
Exception: Drivers of intrastate vehicles and combinations of vehicles with a GVWR or GCWR ≤ 26,000 lbs., which do not require a commercial driver’s license to operate, are not subject to Part 391 Subpart E, Physical Qualifications and Examinations.
Any person not meeting the physical qualification requirements of Part 391, Subpart E, may apply with the Colorado State Patrol, Motor Carrier Safety Section for a variance/waiver. Carriers subject to the Public Utilities Commission must also contact that agency for driver qualification waiver possibilities.
Connecticut
Applies to GVW, GVWR, GCW, GCWR ≥ 18,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Waivers are issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles on an individual-case basis only to operators with the following medical problems:
- Limb impairments
- Vision
- Insulin-dependent diabetes.
Delaware
Applies to GVWR, GVW, GCWR, GCW > 26,000 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Intrastate drivers who are not physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle may apply for an intrastate only waiver.
District of Columbia
Applies to GVWR, GCWR > 10,000 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Florida
Applies to GVW, GVWR, GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Vision Exception: An intrastate driver subject to Part 391, may be exempt from the vision requirement in 391.41(b)(10) if his/her driving record shows no traffic convictions during the 2-year period immediately preceding application for a commercial driver's license. The person must be otherwise qualified under Part 391. As proof of eligibility the driver must have in his/her possession a physical exam form dated within the past 24 months.
Covered Farm Exception: The physical qualification requirements in Part 391, Subpart E do not apply to drivers of covered farm vehicles as defined in 316.003 of the Florida Statutes.
Georgia
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
An intrastate driver who is physically disqualified due certain conditions including diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, or visual acuity issues may apply with the Department of Driver Services for a waiver or exemption.
Exception: The physical qualification requirements in Part 391, Subpart E do not apply to drivers of covered farm vehicles as defined in 1-390.1 of the Georgia Department of Public Safety Transportation Rulebook.
Hawaii
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
A person who is not physically qualified to drive under 391.41(b)(1) or (2) and who is otherwise qualified to drive a motor vehicle may be granted an intrastate waiver.
Idaho
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, or GCW > 26,000 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Illinois
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Illinois law permits insulin dependent diabetics and drivers with visual acuity problems who were eligible to, licensed to, and engaged in the operation of commercial motor vehicles, with a GVWR or GCW > 12,000 pounds, prior to July 29, 1986, and who would have otherwise been disqualified to drive by Illinois’ adoption of Part 391 of the Federal Regulations, to continue to drive provided such drivers have individual driving records which indicate their ability to drive safely.
Illinois law grants similar relief to insulin dependent diabetics and drivers with visual acuity problems who were eligible to, licensed to, and engaged in the operation of certain commercial motor vehicles between 10,000 pounds and 12,000 pounds GVWR or GCWR prior to January 17, 1992, and who would have otherwise been disqualified by Illinois’ adoption of Public Act 87-829. If a driver is qualified under these provisions, the medical certificate must say, “Qualified only for intrastate transportation in Illinois.”
Exception: The physical qualification requirements in Part 391, Subpart E do not apply to drivers of covered farm vehicles as defined in 92 Ill. Adm. Code 390.1020.
Indiana
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. (for-hire carrier), GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. (private carrier), or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Exception: Private carriers of property operated only in intrastate commerce or any carriers of property operated only in intrastate commerce while employed in the construction industry may be exempt from 391.41(b)(3) as it applies to physical qualifications of a driver if the driver applies for and has been granted an intrastate medical waiver by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles.
Exception: The operator of a covered farm vehicle as defined in 390.5 is exempt from the physical qualification requirements in Part 391, Subpart E. This exception does not apply if transporting a placardable amount of hazardous materials.
Iowa
Applies to GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
The physical and medical requirements in Part 391 shall not disqualify an individual who was employed as a driver of commercial vehicles in intrastate commerce whose physical or medical condition existed prior to July 29, 1996. Drivers employed prior to July 29, 1996 must carry a notarized statement of employment confirming that the driver’s physical or medical condition existed before that date, as well as other specific information.
Kansas
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Exception: Private motor carriers domiciled in Kansas operating vehicles with a GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW of 10,001 lbs. to 26,000 lbs. are exempt from compliance with Part 391. This exemption does not apply to motor vehicles which are used in the transportation of hazardous materials and required to be placarded.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Any person failing to meet the physical qualification requirements of 391.41 may be permitted to drive a vehicle if the Kansas Corporation Commission decides that the granting of a waiver is consistent with highway safety and the public interest.
Kentucky
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Drivers who qualify for the governmental waiver in 390.3(f)(2), but possess a CDL, must meet the medical examination requirements in Part 391 or possess a valid waiver.
Medical waivers in addition to those allowed in 391.49 are allowed for drivers exclusively in intrastate commerce. Contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for application procedures.
Louisiana
Applies to single or combined GVW or GVWR > 26,000 lbs. or hazardous materials.
Physical exam and certificate required.
A driver who has been regularly employed as a commercial vehicle operator for at least 24 months prior to March 31, 1992, is exempt from complying with 391.41(b)(1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (10), and (11). The person may remain qualified only as long as the physician determines, during the biennial physical, that the condition has not substantially worsened.
The medical examiner’s certificate must state the words “MEDICALLY UNQUALIFIED OUTSIDE LOUISIANA” when a driver is qualified in accordance with the provisions stated above. Effective August 31, 1994, the medical exemption was discontinued for new applicants.
Maine
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Exceptions: Intrastate motor carriers operating less than 100 air miles from their regular place of business are subject to 391.13, 391.15, 391.23(a), 391.23(a)(1), 391.25(a), 391.25(b), 391.27(a), 391.27(b), and 391.41(b)(12)(i) but are otherwise exempt from all other sections of Part 391. This exception does not apply to carriers hauling hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding.
Section 391.41(b)(11) (relating to hearing) was adopted only for intrastate drivers hauling hazardous materials requiring placarding.
Maryland
Applies to GVWR, GCWR ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
A driver with a commercial driver's license not meeting the physical qualification requirements may qualify for a waiver from the Motor Vehicle Administration.
Grandfather Clause: There is a “grandfather clause” which applies to a driver who was qualified prior to October 1, 2003, who has a physical or mental condition which would otherwise cause the driver to be disqualified. Under the “grandfather clause” the driver will remain qualified until October 1, 2023, as long as the driver remains physically qualified and the driver's condition remains the same. Should the driver's condition change the “grandfather clause” would no longer apply.
Massachusetts
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Drivers are exempt from 391.49, pertaining to waivers of certain physical defects. Waivers of the provisions of 391.41, 391.43 and 391.45 will be granted by the Registrar of Motor Vehicles.
Michigan
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required
A person who is not physically qualified to drive under 391.41 may apply for a waiver. A joint application from the driver and motor carrier needs to be made to the Traffic Safety Division of the Department of State Police.
Minnesota
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Under certain conditions, the Minnesota Department of Transportation may grant a waiver to an intrastate driver who is not otherwise physically qualified to drive under the requirements of 391.41(b)(1) through 391.41(b)(13).
Exception: The operator of a “covered farm vehicle” as defined in 390.5 is exempt from the physical qualification requirements in 391.41- 391.45. This exception does not apply if transporting a placardable amount of hazardous materials.
Mississippi
Applies to GVWR, GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Missouri
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Montana
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Waivers of certain physical qualifications may be granted if prescribed criteria are met.
Exception: Part 391, Subpart E does not apply to the operation of a covered farm vehicle.
Nebraska
Applies to drivers who are operating a commercial motor vehicle as defined in 60-465 that requires a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Physical exam and certificate required.
The provisions of Part 391 Subpart E, Physical Qualifications and Examinations, do not apply to any driver who operates a commercial motor vehicle exclusively in intrastate commerce and holds a commercial driver’s license issued prior to July 30, 1996.
Exception: Part 391, Subpart E does not apply to the operation of a covered farm vehicle.
Nevada
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or hazmat as defined in NRS 459.7024.
Physical exam and certificate required.
New Hampshire
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
A person who is not physically qualified to drive may apply for a waiver with the New Hampshire Department of Safety.
New Jersey
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW, or registered weight ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
New Mexico
GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
New York
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Exception: A driver who received his/her original driver’s license before January 1, 2004, and is not hauling hazardous materials, is not subject to the medical exam (391.41) and medical certificate (391.45) requirements.
Exception: A driver who received his/her original commercial driver’s license before September 9, 1999, and is not hauling hazardous materials, is not subject to the medical exam (391.41) and medical certificate (391.45) requirements.
North Carolina
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
North Dakota
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
An exemption from the medical standards in 391.41(b)(1)-(11) exists for wholly intrastate drivers who are qualified through a state medical waiver program or are otherwise qualified and possessed a Class A license on March 26, 1991.
The medical condition must have existed on March 26, 1991, or at the time of the first required physical examination after that date, and determined by a physician to not have substantially worsened since then.
Ohio
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat. (for-hire carrier)
Applies to GCW or GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a GVWR or GVW > 10,000 lbs., whichever is greater; GVWR or GVW ≥26,001 lbs., whichever is greater; or placardable hazmat. (private carrier)
Physical exam and certificate required.
A person operating a commercial motor vehicle on or before December 7, 1988, who is unable to meet a medical requirement, may be eligible for provisional medical certification. It is only valid for intrastate transportation of non-hazardous property.
Oklahoma
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Oregon
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat. (for-hire carrier)
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs.* or placardable hazmat. (private carrier)
*Must comply with 391.11(b)(2), 391.11(b)(5), 391.15 at ≥ 10,001 lbs. GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW
Physical exam and certificate required.
The Oregon Department of Transportation may issue a waiver of physical disqualification.
Pennsylvania
PennDOT applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 17,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
PUC applies to GVWR or registered gross weight > 10,000 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
A regularly employed driver as of September 23, 1995, who cannot meet the physical qualification requirements of Part 391, will be considered to be qualified to operate in intrastate commerce if certified according to requirements prescribed by PennDOT. Under these requirements, the medical examiner and motor carrier must certify the driver.
The driver shall be considered qualified only until the existing unqualifying medical or physical condition significantly worsens or a new unqualifying medical or physical condition develops subsequent to September 23, 1995.
Rhode Island
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
South Carolina
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
South Dakota
Applies to ≥ 3 axles; GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs.; or placardable hazmat.
Intrastate drivers are exempt from the physical requirements of 391.41.
Tennessee
Applies to GVWR or GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Texas
Part 391 applies to actual gross weight or gross weight rating > 26,000 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Intrastate drivers who are not transporting placardable hazardous materials and were regularly employed in Texas as commercial vehicle drivers prior to August 28, 1989, will be exempted from the medical requirements. Drivers who became 18 years old after August 28, 1989, are required to meet all medical standards.
Drivers with certain physical disabilities require the approval of a medical examiner before a license can be issued.
Utah
Applies to GVWR, GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat (≥ 18-years old).
Applies to GVWR, GCWR ≥ 16,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat (< 18-years old).
Physical exam and certificate required.
Exceptions to 391.41, Physical Qualification, may be granted to intrastate drivers under the rules of the Department of Public Safety, Driver’s License Division.
Vermont
Applies to GVW or GCWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Exceptions exist for the diabetes and vision qualification requirements in 391.41(b), provided the prescribed criteria are met.
Virginia
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW > 26,000 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Intrastate drivers hauling nonhazardous materials who are unable to meet the physical qualification standards of 391.41(b)(1), (2), (3), or (10), may apply to the Commissioner of the Department of Motor Vehicles for a waiver.
Washington
Part 391 applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Exception: Under the Washington State Patrol adoption, motor carriers operating vehicles with a GVWR between 10,001 lbs. and 26,000 lbs. operating intrastate, and not transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding, are exempt from Part 391, Subparts D and E (road test and physical qualification).
Waivers of certain physical requirements may be granted by the Department of Licensing.
West Virginia
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 10,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Wisconsin
Applies to GVWR ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.
Grandfather provision applies to intrastate drivers who have met state medical qualifications and have been issued a valid Wisconsin commercial driver’s license or CDL prior to 7/29/96, which has not been revoked or cancelled, and who continue to meet state medical requirements as found in Trans 112.
A driver may apply (with the Department of Transportation) for a vision exemption.
Wyoming
Applies to GVWR, GCWR, GVW, GCW ≥ 26,001 lbs. or placardable hazmat.
Physical exam and certificate required.