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Federal
Trucking RegulationsQualifications
Of Drivers
TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
CHAPTER III--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION, DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
PART 391--QUALIFICATIONS OF DRIVERS
Sec. 391.1 Scope of the rules in this part; additional qualifications; duties
of carrier-drivers.
(a) The rules in this part
establish minimum qualifications for
persons who drive commercial motor vehicles as, for, or on behalf of
motor carriers. The rules in this part also establish minimum duties of
motor carriers with respect to the qualifications of their drivers.
(b) A motor carrier who employs himself/herself as a driver must
comply with both the rules in this part that apply to motor carriers and
the rules in this part that apply to drivers.
Sec. 391.2 General exemptions.
(a) Farm custom operation. The
rules in this part do not apply to a
driver who drives a commercial motor vehicle controlled and operated by
a person engaged in custom-harvesting operations, if the commercial
motor vehicle is used to--
(1) Transport farm machinery, supplies, or both, to or from a farm
for custom-harvesting operations on a farm; or
(2) Transport custom-harvested crops to storage or market.
(b) Apiarian industries. The rules in this part do not apply to a
driver who is operating a commercial motor vehicle controlled and
operated by a beekeeper engaged in the seasonal transportation of bees.
(c) Certain farm vehicle drivers. The rules in this part do not
apply to a farm vehicle driver except a farm vehicle driver who drives
an articulated (combination) commercial motor vehicle, as defined in
Sec. 390.5. (For limited exemptions for farm vehicle drivers of articulated
commercial motor vehicles, see Sec. 391.67.)
Sec. 391.11 General
qualifications of drivers.
(a) A person shall not drive a
commercial motor vehicle unless he/
she is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle. Except as provided
in Sec. 391.63, a motor carrier shall not require or permit a person to
drive a commercial motor vehicle unless that person is qualified to
drive a commercial motor vehicle.
(b) Except as provided in subpart G of this part, a person is
qualified to drive a motor vehicle if he/she--
(1) Is at least 21 years old;
(2) Can read and speak the English language sufficiently to converse
with the general public, to understand highway traffic signs and signals
in the English language, to respond to official inquiries, and to make
entries on reports and records;
(3) Can, by reason of experience, training, or both, safely operate
the type of commercial motor vehicle he/she drives;
(4) Is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in
accordance with subpart E--Physical Qualifications and Examinations of
this part;
(5) Has a currently valid commercial motor vehicle operator's
license issued only by one State or jurisdiction;
(6) Has prepared and furnished the motor carrier that employs him/
her with the list of violations or the certificate as required by
Sec. 391.27;
(7) Is not disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle under
the rules in Sec. 391.15; and
(8) Has successfully completed a driver's road test and has been
issued a certificate of driver's road test in accordance with
Sec. 391.31, or has presented an operator's license or a certificate of
road test which the motor carrier that employs him/her has accepted as
equivalent to a road test in accordance with Sec. 391.33.
Sec. 391.13 Responsibilities of
drivers.
In order to comply with the
requirements of Sec. 392.9(a) and
Sec. 393.9 of this subchapter, a motor carrier shall not require or
permit a person to drive a commercial motor vehicle unless the person--
(a) Can, by reason of experience, training, or both, determine
whether the cargo he/she transports (including baggage in a passenger-
carrying commercial motor vehicle) has been properly located,
distributed, and secured in or on the commercial motor vehicle he/she
drives;
(b) Is familiar with methods and procedures for securing cargo in or
on the commercial motor vehicle he/she drives.
Sec. 391.15 Disqualification of
drivers.
(a) General. A driver who is
disqualified shall not drive a
commercial motor vehicle. A motor carrier shall not require or permit a
driver who is disqualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
(b) Disqualification for loss of driving privileges.
(1) A driver is disqualified for the duration of the driver's loss of his/her
privilege
to operate a commercial motor vehicle on public highways, either
temporarily or permanently, by reason of the revocation, suspension,
withdrawal, or denial of an operator's license, permit, or privilege,
until that operator's license, permit, or privilege is restored by the
authority that revoked, suspended, withdrew, or denied it.
(2) A driver who receives a notice that his/her license, permit, or
privilege to operate a commercial motor vehicle has been revoked,
suspended, or withdrawn shall notify the motor carrier that employs him/
her of the contents of the notice before the end of the business day following
the day the driver received it.
(c) Disqualification for criminal and other offenses-- (1) General
rule. A driver who is convicted of (or forfeits bond or collateral upon
a charge of) a disqualifying offense specified in paragraph (c)(2) of
this section is disqualified for the period of time specified in
paragraph (c)(3) of this section, if--
(i) The offense was committed during on-duty time as defined in
Sec. 395.2(a) of this subchapter or as otherwise specified; and
(ii) The driver is employed by a motor carrier or is engaged in
activities that are in furtherance of a commercial enterprise in
interstate, intrastate, or foreign commerce;
(2) Disqualifying offenses. The following offenses are disqualifying
offenses:
(i) Driving a commercial motor vehicle while under the influence of
alcohol. This shall include:
(A) Driving a commercial motor vehicle while the person's alcohol
concentration is 0.04 percent or more;
(B) Driving under the influence of alcohol, as prescribed by State
law; or
(C) Refusal to undergo such testing as is required by any State or
jurisdiction in the enforcement of Sec. 391.15(c)(2)(i) (A) or (B), or
Sec. 392.5(a)(2).
(ii) Driving a commercial motor vehicle under the influence of a 21
CFR 1308.11 Schedule I identified controlled substance, an amphetamine,
a narcotic drug, a formulation of an amphetamine, or a derivative of a
narcotic drug;
(iii) Transportation, possession, or unlawful use of a 21 CFR
1308.11 Schedule I identified controlled substance, amphetamines,
narcotic drugs, formulations of an amphetamine, or derivatives of
narcotic drugs while the driver is on duty, as the term on-duty time is
defined in Sec. 395.2 of this subchapter;
(iv) Leaving the scene of an accident while operating a commercial
motor vehicle; or
(v) A felony involving the use of a commercial motor vehicle.
(3) Duration of disqualification--
(i) First offenders. A driver is disqualified for 1 year after the date of
conviction or forfeiture of bond or collateral if, during the 3 years preceding
that date, the
driver was not convicted of, or did not forfeit bond or collateral upon
a charge of an offense that would disqualify the driver under the rules
of this section. Exemption. The period of disqualification is 6 months
if the conviction or forfeiture of bond or collateral soley concerned
the transportation or possession of substances named in paragraph
(c)(2)(iii) of this section.
(ii) Subsequent offenders. A driver is disqualified for 3 years
after the date of his/her conviction or forfeiture of bond or collateral
if, during the 3 years preceding that date, he/she was convicted of, or
forfeited bond or collateral upon a charge of, an offense that would
disqualify him/her under the rules in this section.
(d) Disqualification for violation of out-of-service orders--
(1) General rule. A driver who is convicted of violating an out-of-service
order is disqualified for the period of time specified in paragraph
(d)(2) of this section.
(2) Duration of disqualification for violation of out-of-service
orders--(i) First violation. A driver is disqualified for not less than
90 days nor more than one year if the driver is convicted of a first
violation of an out-of-service order.
(ii) Second violation. A driver is disqualified for not less than
one year nor more than five years if, during any 10-year period, the
driver is convicted of two violations of out-of-service orders in
separate incidents.
(iii) Third or subsequent violation. A driver is disqualified for
not less than three years nor more than five years if, during any 10-
year period, the driver is convicted of three or more violations of out-
of-service orders in separate incidents.
(iv) Special rule for hazardous materials and passenger offenses. A
driver is disqualified for a period of not less than 180 days nor more
than two years if the driver is convicted of a first violation of an
out-of-service order while transporting hazardous materials required to
be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C.
5101 et seq.), or while operating commercial motor vehicles designed to
transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver. A driver is
disqualified for a period of not less than three years nor more than five years
if, during any 10-year period, the driver is convicted of any subsequent
violations of out-of-service orders, in separate incidents, while transporting
hazardous materials required to
be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act, or while
operating commercial motor vehicles designed to transport more than 15
passengers, including the driver.
Sec. 391.21 Application for
employment.
(a) Except as provided in subpart G
of this part, a person shall not
drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he/she has completed and
furnished the motor carrier that employs him/her with an application for
employment that meets the requirements of paragraph (b) of this section.
(b) The application for employment shall be made on a form furnished
by the motor carrier. Each application form must be completed by the
applicant, must be signed by him/her, and must contain the following
information:
(1) The name and address of the employing motor carrier;
(2) The applicant's name, address, date of birth, and social
security number;
(3) The addresses at which the applicant has resided during the 3
years preceding the date on which the application is submitted;
(4) The date on which the application is submitted;
(5) The issuing State, number, and expiration date of each unexpired
commercial motor vehicle operator's license or permit that has been
issued to the applicant;
(6) The nature and extent of the applicant's experience in the
operation of motor vehicles, including the type of equipment (such as
buses, trucks, truck tractors, semitrailers, full trailers, and pole
trailers) which he/she has operated;
(7) A list of all motor vehicle accidents in which the applicant was
involved during the 3 years preceding the date the application is
submitted, specifying the date and nature of each accident and any
fatalities or personal injuries it caused;
(8) A list of all violations of motor vehicle laws or ordinances
(other than violations involving only parking) of which the applicant
was convicted or forfeited bond or collateral during the 3 years
preceding the date the application is submitted;
(9) A statement setting forth in detail the facts and circumstances
of any denial, revocation, or suspension of any license, permit, or
privilege to operate a motor vehicle that has been issued to the
applicant, or a statement that no such denial, revocation, or suspension
has occurred;
(10) A list of the names and addresses of the applicant's employers
during the 3 years preceding the date the application is submitted,
together with the dates he/she was employed by, and his/her reason for
leaving the employ of, each employer;
(11) For those drivers applying to operate a commercial motor
vehicle as defined by Part 383 of this subchapter, a list of the names
and addresses of the applicant's employers during the 7-year period
preceding the 3 years contained in paragraph (b)(10) of this section for
which the applicant was an operator of a commercial motor vehicle,
together with the dates of employment and the reasons for leaving such
employment; and
(12) The following certification and signature line, which must
appear at the end of the application form and be signed by the
applicant:
This certifies that this application was
completed by me, and that
all entries on it and information in it are true and complete to the
best of my knowledge.
________________________________________________________________________
(Date)
________________________________________________________________________
(Applicant's signature)
(c) A motor carrier may require an applicant to
provide information
in addition to the information required by paragraph (b) of this section on the
application form.
(d) Before an application is submitted, the motor carrier shall
inform the applicant that the information he/she provides in accordance
with paragraph (b) (10) of this section may be used, and the applicant's
prior employers may be contacted, for the purpose of investigating the
applicant's background as required by Sec. 391.23.
Sec. 391.23 Investigation and inquiries.
(a) Except as provided in subpart G of this
part, each motor carrier
shall make the following investigations and inquiries with respect to
each driver it employs, other than a person who has been a regularly
employed driver of the motor carrier for a continuous period which began
before January 1, 1971:
(1) An inquiry into the driver's driving record during the preceding
3 years to the appropriate agency of every State in which the driver
held a motor vehicle operator's license or permit during those 3 years;
and
(2) An investigation of the driver's employment record during the
preceding 3 years.
(b) The inquiry to State agencies required by paragraph (a)(1) of
this section must be made within 30 days of the date the driver's
employment begins and shall be made in the form and manner those
agencies prescribe. A copy of the response by each State agency, showing
the driver's driving record or certifying that no driving record exists
for that driver, shall be retained in the carrier's files as part of the
driver's qualification file.
(c) The investigation of the driver's employment record required by
paragraph (a)(2) of this section must be made within 30 days of the date
his/her employment begins. The investigation may consist of personal
interviews, telephone interviews, letters, or any other method of
obtaining information that the carrier deems appropriate. Each motor
carrier must make a written record with respect to each past employer
who was contacted. The record must include the past employer's name and
address, the date he/she was contacted, and his/her comments with
respect to the driver. The record shall be retained in the motor
carrier's files as part of the driver's qualification file.
Sec. 391.25 Annual inquiry and review of
driving record.
(a) Except as provided in subpart G of this
part, each motor carrier
shall, at least once every 12 months, make an inquiry into the driving
record of each driver it employs, covering at least the preceding 12
months, to the appropriate agency of every State in which the driver
held a commercial motor vehicle operator's license or permit during the
time period.
(b) Except as provided in subpart G of this part, each motor carrier
shall, at least once every 12 months, review the driving record of each
driver it employs to determine whether that driver meets minimum
requirements for safe driving or is disqualified to drive a commercial
motor vehicle pursuant to Sec. 391.15.
(1) The motor carrier must consider any evidence that the driver has
violated any applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in this
subchapter or Hazardous Materials Regulations (49 CFR chapter I,
subchapter C).
(2) The motor carrier must consider the driver's accident record and
any evidence that the driver has violated laws governing the operation
of motor vehicles, and must give great weight to violations, such as
speeding, reckless driving, and operating while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs, that indicate that the driver has exhibited a
disregard for the safety of the public.
(c) Recordkeeping.
(1) A copy of the response from each State agency
to the inquiry required by paragraph (a) of this section shall be maintained in
the driver's qualification file.
(2) A note, including the name of the person who performed the
review of the driving record required by paragraph (b) of this section
and the date of such review, shall be maintained in the driver's
qualification file.
Sec. 391.27 Record of violations.
(a) Except as provided in subpart G of this
part, each motor carrier
shall, at least once every 12 months, require each driver it employs to
prepare and furnish it with a list of all violations of motor vehicle
traffic laws and ordinances (other than violations involving only
parking) of which the driver has been convicted or on account of which
he/she has forfeited bond or collateral during the preceding 12 months.
(b) Each driver shall furnish the list required in accordance with
paragraph (a) of this section. If the driver has not been convicted of,
or forfeited bond or collateral on account of, any violation which must
be listed, he/she shall so certify.
(c) The form of the driver's list or certification shall be
prescribed by the motor carrier. The following form may be used to
comply with this section:
Driver's Certification
I certify that the following is a true and
complete list of traffic
violations (other than parking violations) for which I have been
convicted or forfeited bond or collateral during the past 12 months.
Date of conviction Offense
Location Type of motor vehicle operated
If no violations are listed
above, I certify that I have not been
convicted or forfeited bond or collateral on account of any violation
required to be listed during the past 12 months.
(Date of certification)
(Driver's signature)
(Motor carrier's name)
(Motor carrier's address)
(Reviewed by: Signature) (Title)
(d) The motor carrier shall retain the list
or certificate required
by this section, or a copy of it, in its files as part of the driver's
qualification file.
(e) Drivers who have provided information required by Sec. 383.31 of
this subchapter need not repeat that information in the annual list of
violations required by this section.
Sec. 391.31 Road test.
(a) Except as provided in subpart G, a
person shall not drive a
commercial motor vehicle unless he/she has first successfully completed
a road test and has been issued a certificate of driver's road test in
accordance with this section.
(b) The road test shall be given by the motor carrier or a person
designated by it. However, a driver who is a motor carrier must be given
the test by a person other than himself/herself. The test shall be given
by a person who is competent to evaluate and determine whether the
person who takes the test has demonstrated that he/she is capable of
operating the commercial motor vehicle, and associated equipment, that
the motor carrier intends to assign him/her.
(c) The road test must be of sufficient duration to enable the
person who gives it to evaluate the skill of the person who takes it at
handling the commercial motor vehicle, and associated equipment, that
the motor carriers intends to assign to him/her. As a minimum, the
person who takes the test must be tested, while operating the type of
commercial motor vehicle the motor carrier intends to assign him/her, on
his/her skill at performing each of the following operations:
(1) The pretrip inspection required by Sec. 392.7 of this
subchapter;
(2) Coupling and uncoupling of combination units, if the equipment
he/she may drive includes combination units;
(3) Placing the commercial motor vehicle in operation;
(4) Use of the commercial motor vehicle's controls and emergency
equipment;
(5) Operating the commercial motor vehicle in traffic and while
passing other motor vehicles;
(6) Turning the commercial motor vehicle;
(7) Braking, and slowing the commercial motor vehicle by means other
than braking; and
(8) Backing and parking the commercial motor vehicle.
(d) The motor carrier shall provide a road test form on which the
person who gives the test shall rate the performance of the person who takes
it at
each operation or activity which is a part of the test. After he/she
completes the form, the person who gave the test shall sign it.
(e) If the road test is successfully completed, the person who gave
it shall complete a certificate of driver's road test in substantially
the form prescribed in paragraph (f) of this section.
(f) The form for the certificate of driver's road test is
substantially as follows:
Certification of Road Test
Driver's
name___________________________________________________________
Social Security No______________________________________________________
Operator's or Chauffeur's License No____________________________________
State___________________________________________________________________
Type of power unit ------------ Type of trailer(s)______________________
If passenger carrier, type of bus ------------__________________________
This is to certify that the above-named driver was given a road test
under my supervision on ------------, 20----, consisting of
approximately ------ miles of driving.
It is my considered opinion that this driver possesses sufficient
driving skill to operate safely the type of commercial motor vehicle
listed above.
(Signature of examiner)
(Title)
(Organization and address of examiner)
(g) A copy of the certificate required by
paragraph (e) of this
section shall be given to the person who was examined. The motor carrier
shall retain in the driver qualification file of the person who was
examined--
(1) The original of the signed road test form required by paragraph
(d) of this section; and
(2) The original, or a copy of, the certificate required by
paragraph (e) of this section.
Sec. 391.41 Physical qualifications for
drivers.
(a) A person shall not drive a commercial
motor vehicle unless he/
she is physically qualified to do so and, except as provided in
Sec. 391.67, has on his/her person the original, or a photographic copy,
of a medical examiner's certificate that he/she is physically qualified
to drive a commercial motor vehicle.
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The United States and Canada entered into a
Reciprocity Agreement,
effective March 30, 1999, recognizing that a Canadian commercial
driver's license is proof of medical fitness to drive. Therefore,
Canadian commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are no longer required
to have in their possession a medical examiner's certificate if the
driver has been issued, and possesses, a valid commercial driver's
license issued by a Canadian Province or Territory. However, Canadian
drivers who are insulin-using diabetics, who have epilepsy, or who are
hearing impaired as defined in Sec. 391.41(b)(11) 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.
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(b) A person is physically qualified to
drive a commercial motor
vehicle if that person--
(1) Has no loss of a foot, a leg, a hand, or an arm, or has been
granted a skill performance evaluation certificate pursuant to
Sec. 391.49;
(2) Has no impairment of:
(i) A hand or finger which interferes with prehension or power
grasping; or
(ii) An arm, foot, or leg which interferes with the ability to
perform normal tasks associated with operating a commercial motor
vehicle; or any other significant limb defect or limitation which
interferes with the ability to perform normal tasks associated with
operating a commercial motor vehicle; or has been granted a skill
performance evaluation certificate pursuant to Sec. 391.49.
(3) Has no established medical history or
clinical diagnosis of
diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control;
(4) Has no current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction,
angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other
cardiovascular disease of a variety known to be accompanied by syncope,
dyspnea, collapse, or congestive cardiac failure.
(5) Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of a
respiratory dysfunction likely to interfere with his/her ability to
control and drive a commercial motor vehicle safely;
(6) Has no current clinical diagnosis of high blood pressure likely
to interfere with his/her ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle
safely;
(7) Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of
rheumatic, arthritic, orthopedic, muscular, neuromuscular, or vascular
disease which interferes with his/her ability to control and operate a
commercial motor vehicle safely;
(8) Has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of
epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of
consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor
vehicle;
(9) Has no mental, nervous, organic, or functional disease or
psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a
commercial motor vehicle safely;
(10) Has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each
eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to
20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective lenses, distant binocular
acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without
corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70[deg] in the horizontal
Meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic
signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber;
(11) First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at
not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if
tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing
loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and
2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is
calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5--
1951.
(12)(i) Does not use a controlled substance identified in 21 CFR
1308.11 Schedule I, an amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit-
forming drug.
(ii) Exception. A driver may use such a substance or drug, if the
substance or drug is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner who:
(A) Is familiar with the driver's medical history and assigned
duties; and
(B) Has advised the driver that the prescribed substance or drug
will not adversely affect the driver's ability to safely operate a
commercial motor vehicle; and
(13) Has no current clinical diagnosis of alcoholism.
Sec. 391.43 Medical examination;
certificate of physical examination.
(a) Except as provided by paragraph (b) of
this section, the medical
examination shall be performed by a licensed medical examiner as defined
in Sec. 390.5 of this subchapter.
(b) A licensed optometrist may perform so much of the medical
examination as pertains to visual acuity, field of vision, and the
ability to recognize colors as specified in paragraph (10) of
Sec. 391.41(b).
(c) Medical examiners shall:
(1) Be knowledgeable of the specific physical and mental demands
associated with operating a commercial motor vehicle and the
requirements of this subpart, including the medical advisory criteria
prepared by the FMCSA as guidelines to aid the medical examiner in
making the qualification determination; and
(2) Be proficient in the use of and use the medical protocols
necessary to adequately perform the medical examination required by this
section.
(d) Any driver authorized to operate a commercial motor vehicle
within an exempt intracity zone pursuant to Sec. 391.62 of this part
shall furnish the examining medical examiner with a copy of the medical
findings that led to the issuance of the first certificate of medical
examination which allowed the driver to operate a commercial motor
vehicle wholly within an exempt intracity zone.
(e) Any driver operating under a limited exemption authorized by
Sec. 391.64 shall furnish the medical examiner with a copy of the annual
medical findings of the endocrinologist, ophthalmologist or optometrist,
as required under that section. If the medical examiner finds the driver
qualified under the limited exemption in Sec. 391.64, such fact shall be
noted on the Medical Examiner's Certificate.
(f) The medical examination shall be performed, and its results
shall be recorded, substantially in accordance with the following
instructions and examination form. Existing forms may be used until
current printed supplies are depleted or until September 30, 2004,
whichever occurs first.
Instructions for Performing and Recording
Physical Examinations
The medical examiner must be familiar with
49 CFR 391.41, Physical
qualifications for drivers, and should review these instructions before
performing the physical examination. Answer each question ``yes'' or
``no'' and record numerical readings where indicated on the physical
examination form.
The medical examiner must be aware of the rigorous physical, mental,
and emotional demands placed on the driver of a commercial motor
vehicle. In the interest of public safety, the medical examiner is
required to certify that the driver does not have any physical, mental,
or organic condition that might affect the driver's ability to operate a
commercial motor vehicle safely.
General information. The purpose of this history and physical
examination is to detect the presence of physical, mental, or organic
conditions of such a character and extent as to affect the driver's
ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. The examination
should be conducted carefully and should at least include all of the
information requested in the following form. History of certain
conditions may be cause for rejection. Indicate the need for further
testing and/or require evaluation by a specialist. Conditions may be
recorded which do not, because of their character or degree, indicate
that certification of physical fitness should be denied. However, these
conditions should be discussed with the driver and he/she should be
advised to take the necessary steps to insure correction, particularly
of those conditions which, if neglected, might affect the driver's
ability to drive safely.
General appearance and development. Note marked overweight. Note any
postural defect, perceptible limp, tremor, or other conditions that
might be caused by alcoholism, thyroid intoxication or other illnesses.
Head-eyes. When other than the Snellen chart is used, the results of
such test must be expressed in values comparable to the standard Snellen
test. If the driver wears corrective lenses for driving, these should be
worn while driver's visual acuity is being tested. If contact lenses are
worn, there should be sufficient evidence of good tolerance of and
adaptation to their use. Indicate the driver's need to wear corrective
lenses to meet the vision standard on the Medical Examiner's Certificate
by checking the box, ``Qualified only when wearing corrective lenses.''
In recording distance vision use 20 feet as normal. Report all vision as
a fraction with 20 as the numerator and the smallest type read at 20
feet as the denominator. Monocular drivers are not qualified to operate
commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
Ears. Note evidence of any ear disease, symptoms of aural vertigo,
or Meniere's Syndrome. When recording hearing, record distance from
patient at which a forced whispered voice can first be heard. For the
whispered voice test, the individual should be stationed at least 5 feet
from the examiner with the ear being tested turned toward the examiner.
The other ear is covered. Using the breath which remains after a normal
expiration, the examiner whispers words or random numbers such as 66,
18, 23, etc. The examiner should not use only sibilants (s-sounding test
materials). The opposite ear should be tested in the same manner. If the
individual fails the whispered voice test, the audiometric test should
be administered. For the audiometric test, record decibel loss at 500
Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz. Average the decibel loss at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz
and 2,000 Hz and record as described on the form. If the individual
fails the audiometric test and the whispered voice test has not been
administered, the whispered voice test should be performed to determine
if the standard applicable to that test can be met.Throat. Note any
irremediable deformities likely to interfere with breathing or swallowing.
Heart. Note murmurs and arrhythmias, and any history of an enlarged
heart, congestive heart failure, or cardiovascular disease that is
accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, or collapse. Indicate onset date,
diagnosis, medication, and any current limitation. An electrocardiogram
is required when findings so indicate.
Blood pressure (BP). If a driver has hypertension and/or is being
medicated for hypertension, he or she should be recertified more
frequently. An individual diagnosed with Stage 1 hypertension (BP is
140/90-159/99) may be certified for one year. At recertification, an
individual with a BP equal to or less than 140/90 may be certified for
one year; however, if his or her BP is greater than 140/90 but less than
160/100, a one-time certificate for 3 months can be issued. An
individual diagnosed with Stage 2 (BP is 160/100-179/109) should be
treated and a one-time certificate for 3-month certification can be
issued. Once the driver has reduced his or her BP to equal to or less
than 140/90, he or she may be recertified annually thereafter. An
individual diagnosed with Stage 3 hypertension (BP equal to or greater
than 180/110) should not be certified until his or her BP is reduced to
140/90 or less, and may be recertified every 6 months.
Lungs. Note abnormal chest wall expansion, respiratory rate, breath
sounds including wheezes or alveolar rales, impaired respiratory
function, dyspnea, or cyanosis. Abnormal finds on physical exam may
require further testing such as pulmonary tests and/or x-ray of chest.
Abdomen and Viscera. Note enlarged liver, enlarged spleen, abnormal
masses, bruits, hernia, and significant abdominal wall muscle weakness
and tenderness. If the diagnosis suggests that the condition might
interfere with the control and safe operation of a commercial motor
vehicle, further testing and evaluation is required.
Genital-urinary and rectal examination. A urinalysis is required.
Protein, blood or sugar in the urine may be an indication for further
testing to rule out any underlying medical problems. Note hernias. A
condition causing discomfort should be evaluated to determine the extent
to which the condition might interfere with the control and safe
operation of a commercial motor vehicle.
Neurological. Note impaired equilibrium, coordination, or speech
pattern; paresthesia; asymmetric deep tendon reflexes; sensory or
positional abnormalities; abnormal patellar and Babinski's reflexes;
ataxia. Abnormal neurological responses may be an indication for further
testing to rule out an underlying medical condition. Any neurological
condition should be evaluated for the nature and severity of the
condition, the degree of limitation present, the likelihood of
progressive limitation, and the potential for sudden incapacitation. In
instances where the medical examiner has determined that more frequent
monitoring of a condition is appropriate, a certificate for a shorter
period should be issued.
Spine, musculoskeletal. Previous surgery, deformities, limitation of
motion, and tenderness should be noted. Findings may indicate additional
testing and evaluation should be conducted.
Extremities. Carefully examine upper and lower extremities and note
any loss or impairment of leg, foot, toe, arm, hand, or finger. Note any
deformities, atrophy, paralysis, partial paralysis, clubbing, edema, or
hypotonia. If a hand or finger deformity exists, determine whether
prehension and power grasp are sufficient to enable the driver to
maintain steering wheel grip and to control other vehicle equipment
during routine and emergency driving operations. If a foot or leg
deformity exists, determine whether sufficient mobility and strength
exist to enable the driver to operate pedals properly. In the case of
any loss or impairment to an extremity which may interfere with the
driver's ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely, the
medical examiner should state on the medical certificate ``medically
unqualified unless accompanied by a Skill Performance Evaluation
Certificate.'' The driver must then apply to the Field Service Center of
the FMCSA, for the State in which the driver has legal residence, for a
Skill Performance Evaluation Certificate under Sec. 391.49.
Laboratory and Other Testing. Other test(s) may be indicated based
upon the medical
(g) If the medical examiner finds that the person he/she examined is
physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle in accordance
with Sec. 391.41(b), the medical examiner shall complete a certificate
in the form prescribed in paragraph (h) of this section and furnish one
copy to the person who was examined and one copy to the motor carrier
that employs him/her.
(h) The medical examiner's certificate shall be substantially in
accordance with the following form. Existing forms may be used until
current printed supplies are depleted or until November 6, 2001,
whichever occurs first.
Sec. 391.45 Persons who must be medically
examined and certified.
Except as provided in Sec. 391.67, the
following persons must be
medically examined and certified in accordance with Sec. 391.43 as
physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle:
(a) Any person who has not been medically examined and certified as
physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle;
(b)(1) Any driver who has not been medically examined and certified
as qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle during the preceding
24 months; or
(2) Any driver authorized to operate a commercial motor vehicle only
with an exempt intracity zone pursuant to Sec. 391.62, or only by
operation of the exemption in Sec. 391.64, if such driver has not been
medically examined and certified as qualified to drive in such zone
during the preceding 12 months; and
(c) Any driver whose ability to perform his/her normal duties has
been impaired by a physical or mental injury or disease.
Sec. 391.47 Resolution of conflicts of
medical evaluation.
(a) Applications. Applications for
determination of a driver's
medical qualifications under standards in this part will only be
accepted if they conform to the requirements of this section.
(b) Content. Applications will be accepted for consideration only if
the following conditions are met.
(1) The application must contain the name and address of the driver,
motor carrier, and all physicians involved in the proceeding.
(2) The applicant must submit proof that there is a disagreement
between the physician for the driver and the physician for the motor
carrier concerning the driver's qualifications.
(3) The applicant must submit a copy of an opinion and report
including results of all tests of an impartial medical specialist in the
field in which the medical conflict arose. The specialist should be one
agreed to by the motor carrier and the driver.
(i) In cases where the driver refuses to
agree on a specialist and
the applicant is the motor carrier, the applicant must submit a
statement of his/her agreement to submit the matter to an impartial
medical specialist in the field, proof that he/she has requested the
driver to submit to the medical specialist, and the response, if any, of
the driver to his/her request.
(ii) In cases where the motor carrier refuses to agree on a medical
specialist, the driver must submit an opinion and test results of an
impartial medical specialist, proof that he/she has requested the motor
carrier to agree to submit the matter to the medical specialist and the
response, if any, of the motor carrier to his/her request.
(4) The applicant must include a statement explaining in detail why
the decision of the medical specialist identified in paragraph (b)(3) of
this section, is unacceptable.
(5) The applicant must submit proof that the medical specialist
mentioned in paragraph (b)(3) of this section was provided, prior to
his/her determination, the medical history of the driver and an agreed-
upon statement of the work the driver performs.
(6) The applicant must submit the medical history and statement of
work provided to the medical specialist under paragraph (b)(5) of this
section.
(7) The applicant must submit all medical records and statements of
the physicians who have given opinions on the driver's qualifications.
(8) The applicant must submit a description and a copy of all
written and documentary evidence upon which the party making application
relies in the form set out in 49 CFR 386.37.
(9) The application must be accompanied by a statement of the driver
that he/she intends to drive in interstate commerce not subject to the
commercial zone exemption or a statement of the carrier that he/she has
used or intends to use the driver for such work.
(10) The applicant must submit three copies of the application and
all records.
(c) Information. The Director, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and
Operations (MC-PSD) may request further information from the applicant
if he/she determines that a decision cannot be made on the evidence
submitted.
If the applicant fails to submit the information requested, the Director
may refuse to issue a determination.
(d)(1) Action. Upon receiving a satisfactory application the
Director, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations (MC-PSD)
shall notify the parties (the driver, motor carrier, or any other
interested party) that the application has been accepted and that a
determination will be made. A copy of all evidence received shall be
attached to the notice.
(2) Reply. Any party may submit a reply to the notification within
15 days after service. Such reply must be accompanied by all evidence
the party wants the Director, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and
Operations (MC-PSD) to consider in making his/her determination.
Evidence submitted should include all medical records and test results
upon which the party relies.
(3) Parties. A party for the purposes of this section includes the
motor carrier and the driver, or anyone else submitting an application.
(e) Petitions to review, burden of proof. The driver or motor
carrier may petition to review the Director's determination. Such
petition must be submitted in accordance with Sec. 386.13(a) of this
chapter. The burden of proof in such a proceeding is on the petitioner.
(f) Status of driver. Once an application is submitted to the
Director, Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations (MC-PSD), the
driver shall be deemed disqualified until such time as the Director,
Office of Bus and Truck Standards and Operations (MC-PSD) makes a
determination, or until the Director, Office of Bus and Truck Standards
and Operations (MC-PSD) orders otherwise.
Sec. 391.51 General requirements for
driver qualification files.
(a) Each motor carrier shall maintain a
driver qualification file
for each driver it employs. A driver's qualification file may be
combined with his/her personnel file.
(b) The qualification file for a driver must include:
(1) The driver's application for employment completed in accordance
with Sec. 391.21;
(2) A written record with respect to each past employer who was
contacted and a copy of the response by each State agency, pursuant to
Sec. 391.23 involving investigation and inquiries;
(3) The certificate of driver's road test issued to the driver
pursuant to Sec. 391.31(e), or a copy of the license or certificate
which the motor carrier accepted as equivalent to the driver's road test
pursuant to Sec. 391.33;
(4) The response of each State agency to the annual driver record
inquiry required by Sec. 391.25(a);
(5) A note relating to the annual review of the driver's driving
record as required by Sec. 391.25(c)(2);
(6) A list or certificate relating to violations of motor vehicle
laws and ordinances required by Sec. 391.27;
(7) The medical examiner's certificate of his/her physical
qualification to drive a commercial motor vehicle as required by
Sec. 391.43(f) or a legible photographic copy of the certificate; and
(8) A letter from the Field Administrator,
Division Administrator,
or State Director granting a waiver of a physical disqualification, if a
waiver was issued under Sec. 391.49.(c) Except as provided in paragraph (d)
of this section, each driver's qualification file shall be retained for as
long as a driver is
employed by that motor carrier and for three years thereafter.
(d) The following records may be removed from a driver's
qualification file three years after the date of execution:
(1) The response of each State agency to the
annual driver record
inquiry required by Sec. 391.25(a);
(2) The note relating to the annual review of the driver's driving
record as required by Sec. 391.25(c)(2);
(3) The list or certificate relating to violations of motor vehicle
laws and ordinances required by Sec. 391.27;
(4) The medical examiner's certificate of the driver's physical
qualification to drive a commercial motor vehicle or the photographic
copy of the certificate as required by Sec. 391.43(f); and
(5) The letter issued under Sec. 391.49 granting a waiver of a
physical disqualification.
Sec. 391.61 Drivers who were regularly
employed before January 1, 1971.
The provisions of Sec. 391.21 (relating to
applications for
employment), Sec. 391.23 (relating to investigations and inquiries), and
Sec. 391.33 (relating to road tests) do not apply to a driver who has
been a single-employer driver (as defined in Sec. 390.5 of this
subchapter) of a motor carrier for a continuous period which began
before January 1, 1971, as long as he/she continues to be a single-
employer driver of that motor carrier.
Sec. 391.62 Limited exemptions for
intra-city zone drivers.
The provisions of Secs. 391.11(b)(1) and
391.41(b)(1) through
(b)(11) do not apply to a person who:
(a) Was otherwise qualified to operate and operated a commercial
motor vehicle in a municipality or exempt intracity zone thereof
throughout the one-year period ending November 18, 1988;
(b) Meets all the other requirements of this section;
(c) Operates wholly within the exempt intracity zone (as defined in
49 CFR 390.5);
(d) Does not operate a vehicle used in the transportation of
hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under regulations
issued by the Secretary under 49 U.S.C. chapter 51.; and
(e) Has a medical or physical condition which:
(1) Would have prevented such person from operating a commercial
motor vehicle under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
contained in this subchapter;
(2) Existed on July 1, 1988, or at the time of the first required
physical examination after that date; and
(3) The examining physician has determined this condition has not
substantially worsened since July 1, 1988, or at the time of the first
required physical examination after that date.
Sec. 391.63 Multiple-employer drivers.
(a) If a motor carrier employs a person as a
multiple-employer
driver (as defined in Sec. 390.5 of this subchapter), the motor carrier
shall comply with all requirements of this part, except that the motor
carrier need not--
(1) Require the person to furnish an application for employment in
accordance with Sec. 391.21;
(2) Make the investigations and inquiries specified in Sec. 391.23
with respect to that person;
(3) Perform the annual driving record inquiry required by
Sec. 391.25(a);
(4) Perform the annual review of the person's driving record
required by Sec. 391.25(b); or
(5) Require the person to furnish a record of violations or a
certificate in accordance with Sec. 391.27.
(b) Before a motor carrier permits a multiple-employer driver to
drive a commercial motor vehicle, the motor carrier must obtain his/her
name, his/her social security number, and the identification number,
type and issuing State of his/her commercial motor vehicle operator's
license. The motor carrier must maintain this information for three
years after employment of the multiple-employer driver ceases.
Sec. 391.64 Grandfathering for certain
drivers participating in vision
and diabetes waiver study programs.
(a) The provisions of Sec. 391.41(b)(3) do
not apply to a driver who
was a participant in good standing on March 31, 1996, in a waiver study
program concerning the operation of commercial motor vehicles by
insulin-controlled diabetic drivers; provided:
(1) The driver is physically examined every year, including an
examination by a board-certified/eligible endocrinologist attesting to
the fact that the driver is:
(i) Otherwise qualified under Sec. 391.41;
(ii) Free of insulin reactions (an individual is free of insulin
reactions if that individual does not have severe hypoglycemia or
hypoglycemia unawareness, and has less than one documented, symptomatic
hypoglycemic reaction per month);
(iii) Able to and has demonstrated willingness to properly monitor
and manage his/her diabetes; and
(iv) Not likely to suffer any diminution in driving ability due to
his/her diabetic condition.
(2) The driver agrees to and complies with the following conditions:
(i) A source of rapidly absorbable glucose shalll be carried at all
times while driving;
(ii) Blood glucose levels shall be self-monitored one hour prior to
driving and at least once every four hours while driving or on duty
prior to driving using a portable glucose monitoring device equipped
with a computerized memory;
(iii) Submit blood glucose logs to the endocrinologist or medical
examiner at the annual examination or when otherwise directed by an
authorized agent of the FMCSA;
(iv) Provide a copy of the endocrinologist's report to the medical
examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and
(v) Provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the
employer for retention in the driver's qualification file and retain a
copy of the certification on his/her person while driving for
presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State or local enforcement
official.
(b) The provisions of Sec. 391.41(b)(10) do not apply to a driver
who was a participant in good standing on March 31, 1996, in a waiver
study program concerning the operation of commercial motor vehicles by
drivers with visual impairment in one eye; provided:
(1) The driver is physically examined every
year, including an
examination by an ophthalmologist or optometrist attesting to the fact
that the driver:
(i) Is otherwise qualified under Sec. 391.41; and
(ii) Continues to measure at least 20/40 (Snellen) in the better
eye.
(2) The driver provides a copy of the ophthalmologist or optometrist
report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical
examination.
(3) The driver provides a copy of the annual medical certification
to the employer for retention in the driver's qualification file and
retains a copy of the certification on his/her person while driving for
presentation to a duly authorized federal, state or local enforcement
official.
Sec. 391.65 Drivers furnished by other
motor carriers.
(a) A motor carrier may employ a driver who
is not a regularly
employed driver of that motor carrier without complying with the
generally applicable driver qualification file requirements in this
part, if--
(1) The driver is regularly employed by another motor carrier; and
(2) The motor carrier which regularly employs the driver certifies
that the driver is fully qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle
in a written statement which--
(i) Is signed and dated by an officer or authorized employee of the
regularly employing carrier;
(ii) Contains the driver's name and
signature;
(iii) Certifies that the driver has been regularly employed as
defined in Sec. 390.5;
(iv) Certifies that the driver is fully
qualified to drive a
commercial motor vehicle under the rules in part 391 of the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations;
(v) States the expiration date of the driver's medical examiner's
certificate;
(vi) Specifies an expiration date for the certificate, which shall
be not longer than 2 years or, if earlier, the expiration date of the
driver's current medical examiner's certificate; and
(vii) After April 1, 1977, is substantially in accordance with the
following form:
Sec. 391.67 Farm vehicle drivers of
articulated commercial motor vehicles.
The following rules in this part do not
apply to a farm vehicle
driver (as defined in Sec. 390.5 of this subchapter) who is 18 years of
age or older and who drives an articulated commercial motor vehicle:
(a) Section 391.11(b)(1), (b)(6) and (b)(8) (relating to general
qualifications of drivers);
(b) Subpart C (relating to disclosure of, investigation into, and
inquiries about the background, character, and driving record of
drivers);
(c) Subpart D (relating to road tests); and
(d) Subpart F (relating to maintenance of files and records).
Sec. 391.68 Private motor carrier of
passengers (nonbusiness).
The following rules in this part do not
apply to a private motor
carrier of passengers (nonbusiness) and its drivers:
(a) Section 391.11(b)(1), (b)(6) and (b)(8) (relating to general
qualifications of drivers);
(b) Subpart C (relating to disclosure of, investigation into, and
inquiries about the background, character, and driving record of,
drivers);
(c) So much of Secs. 391.41 and 391.45 as require a driver to be
medically examined and to have a medical examiner's certificate on his/
her person; and
(d) Subpart F (relating to maintenance of files and records).
Sec. 391.69 Private motor carrier of
passengers (business).
The provisions of Sec. 391.21 (relating to
applications for
employment), Sec. 391.23 (relating to investigations and inquiries), and
Sec. 391.31 (relating to road tests) do not apply to a driver who was a
single-employer driver (as defined in Sec. 390.5 of this subchapter) of
a private motor carrier of passengers (business) as of July 1, 1994, so
long as the driver continues to be a single-employer driver of that
motor carrier.
-- END --
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