CDME Module 1: Overview-Interpretations under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

Pdf Summary

The document provides interpretations to various sections (§391.41 - §391.49) of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) related to the physical qualifications for drivers. <br /><br />- Section §391.41: The responsibility for ensuring that medical certifications for drivers meet the requirements lies with the medical examiner. The motor carrier is responsible for informing the medical examiner of the minimum medical requirements and ensuring that only medically qualified drivers operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.<br /><br />- Section §391.41: The physical qualification requirements for operating a CMV in interstate commerce are outlined in the regulation. Medical examiners determine a driver's qualification based on their knowledge of the driver's functions and whether any conditions would interfere with their ability to safely operate a CMV.<br /><br />- Section §391.43: Foreign drivers operating in the U.S. with an equivalent driver's license may be medically certified by a licensed examiner in their home country. U.S. drivers operating in interstate commerce must be certified by a U.S. licensed examiner.<br /><br />- Section §391.45: The terms "person" and "driver" are used interchangeably in this section.<br /><br />- Section §391.45: A driver with a currently valid medical certificate is not required to undergo a new physical examination as a condition of employment. However, if the driver is subject to controlled substance testing, additional testing requirements may apply.<br /><br />- Section §391.47: The FHWA does not issue individual medical decisions except upon request for the resolution of conflicts of medical evaluations.<br /><br />- Section §391.49: The alternative physical qualification standards for the loss or impairment of limbs can be determined by each state, and they may vary depending on the medical condition. States are responsible for determining what constitutes "sound medical judgment" and appropriate performance standards.<br /><br />Please note that certain details and specifications have been omitted from this summary for brevity. More information can be found in the provided link to the FMCSA website.

Asset Caption

For Parts 391.41- 391.49

Keywords

FMCSRs

physical qualifications for drivers

medical certifications

medical examiner

interstate commerce

qualification requirements

medical examiners

commercial motor vehicles

currently valid medical certificate

alternative physical qualification standards