Deadlines For CDL Drivers And Their Medical Providers Fast Approaching

(Michigan Secretary of State Press Release, Dec. 12, 2013)

Secretary of State Ruth Johnson strongly encourages Michigan residents with a Commercial Driver License (CDL) to self-certify to which type of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operation they perform to avoid losing CDL privileges after Jan. 30.

Federal rules require a Michigan CMV operator to have his or her CDL downgraded to a standard driver’s license if the operator doesn’t provide the Secretary of State’s Office with self-certification by that date. Self-certification can be done by visiting any office, faxing it to 517-636-4359, or sending it online at www.Michigan.gov/cdl or by mail to CDL Help Desk, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, Michigan 48918

Additionally, a new federal requirement takes effect May 21 that may affect medical professionals with patients who hold a CDL and need periodic physicals to legally operate a commercial motor vehicle.

Beginning on that date, all medical examiners who wish to conduct physicals for interstate CDL drivers must be listed in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.

To be listed, medical examiners must complete training on FMCSA physical qualifications and pass a certification test. Johnson said under the federal government’s new rules only medical examiners listed in the national registry will be able to perform physicals and issue valid “DOT Cards” for their interstate CDL-holding patients.

For more information regarding the Michigan CDL program and how commercial drivers are affected by the new federal regulations, please see these FAQs and visit www.michigan.gov/cdl.