This year, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has introduced new DOT physical requirements to enhance safety standards. It is crucial for CDL drivers and employers to stay informed and adapt to these updated regulations, which emphasize the importance of regular health check-ups.
With the change in temperatures this summer, your drivers will soon be working in the heat. An updated DOT physical exam can help ensure they don’t have any health conditions that may impact their safety on the road or while loading and unloading cargo.
For your employees who need DOT physicals this summer, MedPhysicals Plus can help. We have three locations across Alaska—in Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Wasilla—and ensure drivers meet the FMCSA regulations and guidelines.
To receive an FMCSA medical certification, drivers must meet the qualifications under 49 CFR, part 391 § 391.41. There are a few new DOT physical regulations that have come into effect in 2024.
Updated DOT Physical Requirements
- Drivers must be able to see accurately with or without corrective lenses at 20/40 in each eye.
- Drivers must also be able to hear a forced whisper from five feet or less away with or without a hearing aid with the better ear.
- Drivers with blood pressure of less than 140/90 and no hypertension can be certified for two years or one year with hypertension.
For drivers with elevated blood pressure, the FMCSA outlines different certification periods based on the stage of hypertension:
- Stage 1 – Blood pressure of 140/90 to 159/99 – Certification for one year
- Stage 2 – Blood pressure of 160/100 to 179/109 – Certification for three months; if testing at three months shows a blood pressure of 140/90, may be certified for one year at that time
- Stage 3 – Blood pressure of 180/110 or above – Driver is disqualified but can be retested for certification every six months
Proposed Rule Change for Seizures
While not yet official, the FMCSA has proposed a rule change concerning drivers with a history of epilepsy or seizures. Under the proposed rule, a driver who has had a seizure but has been seizure-free for three or more years, certified by a treating neurologist, may not be disqualified. Action is not expected on the proposed rule until July 2024.
Choose MPP for your DOT Physicals
At MedPhysicals Plus, we pride ourselves on being the premier choice for DOT Physicals. Our commitment to exceptional service is reflected in the live customer support we offer, ensuring immediate and helpful responses to all your queries. With a team of experienced and certified professionals, we guarantee that your physicals are conducted with the utmost accuracy and professionalism. Our community-oriented approach, minimal wait times, and exclusive weekend appointments are specifically tailored to meet the needs of our clients.
MPP handles countless DOT physicals every year, and we know how to get them done efficiently so you can submit the necessary paperwork on time. Call us at (907) 561-7587 and ensure a safe and compliant journey ahead with MedPhysicals Plus.
Stay compliant and navigate the new 2024 DOT regulations with ease. Click here for your FREE DOT handout from MedPhysicals Plus and ensure your fleet is ahead of the curve!