Department of Transportation Physicals
WHAT ARE DOT PHYSICALS?
Federal law requires drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to receive regular physical examinations under the Department of Transportation. DOT physicals are highly regulated for the drivers' safety and are designed to detect physical, mental, and emotional issues that can affect a driver's ability to safely drive a commercial vehicle. Dr. Lawrence Ross is a Nationally Certified Medical Examiner for the Department of Transportation and is specially trained to understand the regulations and prevent drivers from being inappropriately disqualified.
DOT PHYSICALS ARE ESSENTIAL
It is illegal for a commercial driver to be out on the road without a valid DOT medical card. It is also illegal for an employer to utilize someone's CDL services if they do not have a valid DOT card. That means, you can not legally do business unless your CMV driver is cleared for the road. Because of this, DOT Physicals are a must-have if you are a commercial driver or employ commercial drivers. These exams help ensure your drivers will be safe on the road, and compliant with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
MEETING DOT STANDARDS
- DOT Exams must be preformed by a practitioner on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME)
- Certified Medical Exams are only valid for a maximum of two years.
- All individuals who obtain a Certified Medical Certificate must submit a copy of the certificate to the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV).
- Vision: At least 20/40 in each eye, as well as both eyes combined, with or without correction. At least 70 degrees peripheral in horizontal meridian measured in each eye. The use of corrective lenses must be indicated on the Medical Examiner's Certificate.
- Ability to distinguish color is necessary.
- Hearing: Must be able to notice a forced whisper at a minimum distance of 5 feet.
- Blood Pressure: Must be lower than 160/100. Prescription medication may be used to control blood pressure.
- Diabetes: You cannot have diabetes that requires insulin injections. Diabetes controlled by diet or oral medication is permitted.
- Blood Sugar: Must be under 200.
- Medications: No use of Schedule 1 Drugs: amphetamine, narcotic, or other habit forming drugs are not permitted. Some medications will require you be re-certified more frequently. Some additional medications may not be permitted.
DOT PHYSICALS ARE REQUIRED FOR INDIVIDUALS WHO OPERATE IN VARIOUS INDUSTRIES, INCLUDING:
- Aviation (FAA)
- Roadways and Bridges (FHWA)
- Trucking (FMCSA)
- Railways (FRA)
- Public Transit (FTA)
- Maritime (MARAD)
- Pipelines and Hazmat (PHMSA)
- United States Coast Guard (USCG)
STAY COMPLIANT
ADDITIONAL DOT SERVICES
As experts in DOT Compliance, Orange Avenue Chiropractic and Healthcare (OACH) also provides a number of DOT Related Services to keep employers and their drivers safe and compliant. This includes:
- DOT Drug Testing: DOT drug screenings test for the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol, helping to create a safer work environment.
- DOT Policy Development: OACH helps employers develop written drug and alcohol policies in accordance with Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
- DOT Testing Consortiums: OACH provides employers with testing pools for their employees in order to ensure the mandatory random DOT testing requirements are met.
Learn More
MAKE SURE YOUR EMPLOYEES ARE SAFE AND READY TO HIT THE ROAD. ALLOW US TO ANALYZE YOUR COMPANY'S CURRENT DOT POLICY TO ENSURE COMPLETE DOT COMPLIANCE.