Which factors lead to a temporarily suspended DOT physical certification and what course of action can lift the suspension?
A suspended DOT physical certification can cause a lot of stress and devastation. However, knowing what leads to a suspension and how to get it lifted can help you stay calm and follow the proper course of action to get your suspension raised. Read on to learn how.
Failing to Pass A Drug Test; Follow The Doctor’s Instructions and Work With A Certified Medical Examiner
Drivers can have their Department of Transportation (DOT) physical certifications temporarily suspended for a variety of reasons. Some common examples include failing to pass a drug test, not complying with the medical standards laid out by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), or having an unresolved medical condition that could impact driving performance, such as vision or consciousness impairment.
For medical concerns, the usual course of action is for the driver to follow their doctor’s instructions and work with a certified medical examiner (ME) to improve their condition. If the ME determines that the driver is medically fit to drive, they will submit a Medical Examination Report (MER) with an updated Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC). The driver can then present this certificate to [their state driver’s licensing agency] for reinstatement of their DOT certification.
In the case of a failed drug test, the driver will need to undergo an additional screening process and complete any rehabilitation or counseling treatments recommended by [a substance abuse professional] in order to be considered for certification again.
Alcohol Use, Failure To Comply With DOT Regulations; Complete Alcohol Treatment Program
There are a number of things that can cause a driver’s DOT physical certification to be temporarily suspended. These include:
1. Medical Conditions
If a driver is found to have a medical condition that could impair their ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle, their DOT physical certification may be suspended.
2. Drug or Alcohol Use
If a driver is found to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their DOT physical certification may be suspended.
3. Failure to comply with DOT regulations
If a driver fails to comply with DOT regulations, such as failing to obtain a DOT physical exam or failing to maintain a log of their driving hours, their DOT physical certification may be suspended.
How to Lift the Suspension
In order to lift the suspension of their DOT physical certification, a driver will need to address the underlying issue that caused the suspension. For example, if the suspension was caused by a medical condition, the driver will need to obtain treatment for the condition and provide documentation to the DOT that they are now fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
● If the suspension was caused by drug or alcohol use, the driver will need to complete a drug or alcohol treatment program and provide documentation to the DOT that they are now sober.
● If the suspension was caused by a failure to comply with DOT regulations, the driver will need to comply with the regulations and provide documentation to the DOT that they have done so.
In addition to the above, here are some additional tips for drivers who have had their DOT physical certification suspended:
● Contact the DOT as soon as possible. The sooner you contact the DOT, the sooner you can begin the process of lifting the suspension.
● Be prepared to provide documentation. The DOT will likely require you to provide documentation of your medical condition, drug or alcohol treatment, or compliance with DOT regulations.
Be patient. The process of lifting a DOT physical certification suspension can take some time. Be patient and work with the DOT to resolve the issue as quickly as possible.
Phillip Ziano
Certain Medical Conditions; See A Healthcare Professional, Show Necessary Documents, And Get In Touch With The DOT
A driver’s DOT physical certification is a medical exam that commercial vehicle drivers need to pass to show they’re fit to drive safely.
If a driver has health issues or takes certain medications that could affect their ability to drive safely, their certification might get temporarily suspended. Some common reasons for suspension are medical conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart problems, as well as using certain medications that have side effects affecting driving.
To get the suspension lifted, the driver needs to do a few things:
1. See a healthcare professional: They should talk to a doctor who knows about DOT rules. The doctor will check their condition and give advice on how to manage or treat any health problems.
2. Show necessary documents: The driver might have to provide medical records and test results to prove they meet the DOT’s health standards. These documents will support their case for lifting the suspension.
3. Get in touch with the DOT: Once they’ve taken the necessary steps and improved their condition, they should contact the DOT or the proper authority that handles their license. They’ll need to submit the required documents and ask to get their DOT physical certification reinstated.
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