Some States Delay Releasing Driver MVRs after Medical Exams
Companies are reporting that a number of states are not releasing drivers’ motor vehicle records in sufficient time for carriers to make the verifications required for CDL drivers. Under 49 CFR 391.23(m)(2), since January 30, 2015, carriers must use the CDLIS motor vehicle record obtained from the state driver licensing agency to verify and document in the driver qualification file the following information before allowing the driver to operate a CMV: (A) The type of operation the driver self-certified that he or she will perform in accordance with 49 CFR §§ 383.71(a)(1)(ii) and 383.71(g). (B) That the driver was certified by a medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners as of the date of medical examiner’s certificate issuance. The motor carrier may use a copy of the medical examiner’s certificate as proof of the driver’s medical certification for up to 15 days after the date it was issued, but for no longer. Some states, however, are delaying responses to requests for MVRs for more than 15 days, making the drivers’ CDLs invalid. Once the MVR is released by the state driver licensing agency, the driver must get the CDL reinstated. To view an spreadsheet for State-by-state Instructions for Submitting Medical Certificates to the State Driver Licensing Agencies to:
http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/sites/fmcsa.dot.gov/files/docs/Med-Cert-State-Instructions-FINAL.pdf