Presented By: Trooper Alan Rice

Commercial Driver’s License and Department of Transportation Medical Merge A new federal requirement to help ensure that DOT medicals are kept current was passed. Ties the medical card to the CDL. If the medical card is expired or not valid, then the driver cannot legally drive a commercial motor vehicle. The DMV is now responsible for storing all medical information and providing the information upon demand to law enforcement and employers.

All new CDL applicants must provide to the DMV a All new CDL applicants must provide to the DMV a valid DOT medical card, medical waiver, or SPE. The DOT medical card, medical waiver, or SPE must be continuously updated with the DMV upon expiration of the medical document. Starting January 30, 2012 but no later then January 30, 2014 ALL current CDL holders must provide to the DMV a valid medical card, medical waiver, or SPE. The medical card can be hand delivered, mailed or faxed to DMV. There will be educational outreach by DMV and CSP.

Medical Waiver Program Drivers not physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle as required by 49 CFR 391.41, may apply for a Colorado State Patrol, Intrastate Medical Waiver. The authority to issue medical waivers was adopted by Colorado under the authority of §42.4.235, C.R.S. Applicants may obtain a medical waiver packet by contacting the Colorado State Patrol, Motor Carrier Safety Section, located at 15075 South Golden Road, Golden, Colorado 80401, or by telephone at 303-273- 1875.

Guidelines for Obtaining a Medical Waiver A medical waiver may be issued if the applicant currently drives a vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or greater, which includes Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or greater, when the towed unit has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more by itself; OR a bus designed to transport sixteen or more passengers including the driver, this includes school and church buses. Individuals must currently hold a Commercial Driver's License, or be in the process of obtaining a Commercial Driver's License. A medical waiver will not be issued to persons who do not meet these requirements.

Waivers are issued to individuals who have failed to Waivers are issued to individuals who have failed to meet the requirements of 49 CFR 391.41 for the following conditions: 1. 391.41(b)(1) and (b)(2) - Loss of limb 2. 391.41(b)(3) - Clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control 3. 391.41(b)(10) - Vision requirements A medical waiver cannot be issued for multiple disqualifying conditions.

Requirements for Obtaining a Medical Waiver In addition to a completed waiver application, interested parties must also submit the following: A copy of the applicant's official driving record from the DOR, listing accidents, driving arrests, license suspensions, revocations or denials, and all traffic convictions, except parking violations, within the last five years. The original medical examination form (DOT physical form) completed pursuant to 391.43, indicating that the applicant is medically unqualified. Copies of all valid medical waivers issued to the applicant by any local, state or federal agency.

A letter from the employing motor carrier stating the A letter from the employing motor carrier stating the carrier understands, and is aware of the applicant's medical condition, and wants the applicant to continue his or her employment with the carrier.

Restrictions Associated with the Medical Waiver A Colorado State Patrol Medical Waiver of Physical Defects authorizes the applicant to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in INTRASTATE commerce only. The waiver is valid only while the applicant is transporting commodities other than bulk hazardous materials, as defined in 49 CFR 171.8 or commodities with a hazard class identified in 49 CFR 172.504 Table 1, or subject to the "Poison by Inhalation Hazard" shipping description in 49 CFR 172.203(m)(3).

The waiver is also subject to other restrictions based The waiver is also subject to other restrictions based upon individual applications. For further information regarding this program, please contact the Colorado State Patrol Motor Carrier Safety Section at (303) 273-1875. Information regarding driver's qualifications may be obtained from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Title 49, Part 391.41.

Traffic Laws Concerning the Passing of Bicycles by 3-feet 42-4-1003(b). Overtaking a vehicle on the left: The driver of a motor vehicle overtaking a bicyclist proceeding in the same direction shall allow the bicyclist at least a three-foot separation between the right side of the driver’s vehicle, including all mirrors or other projections, and the left side of the bicyclist at all times.

42-4-1008.5. Crowding or threatening bicyclist: The driver of a motor vehicle shall not, in a careless and imprudent manner, drive the vehicle unnecessarily close to, toward, or neat a bicyclist.

In regards to Busses, who needs a USDOT Number? Any self-propelled or towed vehicle bearing an apportioned plate or having a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination rating of ten thousand one pounds or more, which vehicle is used in commerce on the public highways of this state or is designed to transport sixteen or more passengers, including the driver, unless such vehicle is a school bus regulated pursuant to section 42-4-1904 or any vehicle that does not have a gross vehicle weight rating of twenty-six thousand one or more pounds and that is owned or operated by a school district so long as such school district does not receive remuneration for the use of such vehicle, not including reimbursement for the use of such vehicle.

What about USDOT Numbers on other district vehicles? No school district vehicles are required to be marked, unless the district receives money for the use of a vehicle. This includes the districts white fleet.

What is the Application Process for Obtaining a USDOT Number? From the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, through the internet at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. Follow the link for “Registration”. From the Colorado State Patrol, Intrastate Only, download the application at www.csp.state.co.us/mcsap.html. Once completed, fax it to 303-273-1939. Also for the Intrastate application, you can stop by our office and fill the application out in person.

SOME NEW SIGNS YOU MAY SEE ALONG INTERSTATE 70

Westbound Interstate 70 from Milepost 259 to Milepost 254

Eastbound Interstate 70 from Milepost 254 to Milepost 260

QUESTIONS?

Motor Carrier Safety Section Colorado State Patrol Motor Carrier Safety Section 15075 South Golden Road Golden, Colorado 80401 303-273-1875 www.csp.state.co.us/mcsap.html