Question about DOT

Discussion in 'Questions To Truckers From The General Public' started by 1BigHaze, Nov 2, 2021.

  1. 1BigHaze

    1BigHaze Bobtail Member

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    Nov 2, 2021
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    I’m a commercial electrician, and do an overwhelming majority of our bucket truck work. So I’m generally swapping over from my work van, a couple days each week. I don’t have a CDL, but I do have an expired DOT. I live, and work in Maryland, unfortunately, I live right next to a toll bridge, and my bucket trucks, a magnet for law enforcement. I’ve been pulled over six times, in 3yrs, the officers must be really impressed with my ability.. to turn the lights on, hit the brake, turn the windshield wipers on, High beam, blinker, horn, etc… All of those times I had a valid DOT, my questions, what happens if I get caught driving with an expired DOT? I just realized it’s been expired for over 7months, I totally forgot about it. I’m worried about getting in an accident, or if I get pulled over, for another safety inspection, or my negligence. I looked online for the penalty, but it only spoke on CDL drivers, and it being a big deal for you guys not to have one. I’ll only be driving for the rest of the week like this, four days at most. I’d like to know what I’ll be facing should I get caught. A reasonably priced fines one thing, but a suspension, or vehicle impound, it isn’t worth it to me.
     
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  3. skallagrime

    skallagrime Road Train Member

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    Dot physical you mean?

    Slap on the wrist if they even bother to look for/at it
     
    tscottme Thanks this.
  4. 1BigHaze

    1BigHaze Bobtail Member

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    Nov 2, 2021
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    Yes, I appreciate you responding so fast, thanks, stay safe!
     
  5. roundhouse

    roundhouse Road Train Member

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    I thought he was talking about the DOT inspection sticker from a mechanic on the truck ?
     
  6. ZVar

    ZVar Road Train Member

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    What do you mean by DOT? Also the gvwr of the truck matters, so what is it?
     
  7. TruckersView

    TruckersView Bobtail Member

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    Nov 7, 2021
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    If you're talking about the medical, it seems like a pretty low risk for you, because Non-CDL holders are not even required to self-certify or submit their Medical Examiner's Certificate to their state, in your case Maryland. For CDL holders, as you said, we risk having our licenses downgraded or even suspended, but in your case it's just because your trucks are over 10,000 lbs GVW, but presumably not over 26,000. So the consequences would probably be whatever fine they come up with, and maybe a knock on your DOT number.

    As the other guy touched on, I don't even remember the last time a DOT officer asked to see my medical certificate.
     
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