CDL medical card questions?

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by wastetrucks, Dec 16, 2012.

  1. wis bang

    wis bang Road Train Member

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    This was supposed to be in place for Jan 1, 2012 but many states were not ready so it was pushed back to 1/01/2014.

    Many states are playing catch up.

    In NJ you need to get your renewal card to them two weeks b/4 you old physical expires or they down grade your CDL to a class D unitl you get it in the system. Don't get caught operating a CMV w /out a CDL the CSA points will be nasty!

    I know guys who wait and go on the day the old medical expires, that won't work anymore.

    Knowing NJ they will charge a re-instatement fee! It is $100.00 to get a suspended license turned back on, even if they suspended it in error!
     
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  3. wastetrucks

    wastetrucks Light Load Member

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    Thanks wis bang, but I won't have to take the written test or driving test will I? I am not driving right now, but want my CDL in case I get into a jam. Thanks for the help.
     
  4. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Have things changed ? Used to be you go to an urgent care clinic (one on every corner) pay about $50, get your physical/med card and done with it for another 2 years. You don't have to worry weather or not your license is valid. The states requiring you to send a copy to DMV, well, that costs you a whole 45 cent stamp. I don't understand why so many people want to do battle with authority. You have a CDL, you want to keep it valid, so keep your physical current. There, wasn't that easy ?
     
  5. wastetrucks

    wastetrucks Light Load Member

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    But I'm not driving right now. I have no need for a medical card right now. That is why I don't have one right now.
     
  6. GasHauler

    GasHauler Master FMCSA Interpreter

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    I'm the same way. I've retired and do not drive anymore. Before the state of NJ would just consider your CDL as a class D if you're not in a CMV. No more. I called the CDL DMV people and they said the state is going to require all CDL holders to have a CURRENT medical card to have a CDL. They also told me that if you drive with a CDL you can get heavy fines and they will take your CDL away. This also ties in with the old subject of driving your own personal car and if you're going to be held to a .04 BAC? They told me they are going to hold the CDL drivers to higher standards. However, at the same time they could not tell me if it was the law or not. I'm just going to toss mine in and walk away. I have enough saved and make enough that I will never have to work again. But it is a shame. I wonder if they are going to require some day that you log all your driving time even in your own vehicle.
     
  7. wastetrucks

    wastetrucks Light Load Member

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    I don't care if the temporarily drop me to a D, as long as the minute I get a medical card I'm back to a Class B and do not have to have a written and driving test again?
     
  8. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    All the time wasted on this thread, you could have gotten a current physical and be done with it ! Here's a what if........what if you "forgot" when your year was up and then had to go through all the CDL tests again, including the road test ? You wish you would have listened to "Uncle Allow Me".........
     
  9. EZX1100

    EZX1100 Road Train Member

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    good ol' gubment does it again

    granted, we are all supposed to be medically fit, but they should basically forbid the person from driving a cmv until he gets it updated. why make him/her start all over?
     
  10. wastetrucks

    wastetrucks Light Load Member

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    YES! That is all I was trying to say, thank you. I don't get all the BS surrounding this.
     
  11. Robm

    Robm Bobtail Member

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    Unfortunately, no matter what we think about the subject, by 2014 nationwide if you have cdl and you want to keep it valid you are gonna have to keep a current dot medical card, whether you operate a cmv or not. You yourself will be responsible for showing proof to the government. What I have been told a cdl is your license, there is no commercial side or private side. It is one and the same. (maybe i am wrong) Another way for big brother to keep his eye on you. IMO
     
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