Registry Procedures Manual - C.11

Appendix C. Commercial Driver Requirements (CDL)
12. What if I do not meet the physical qualifications required? If you do not meet the vision
or diabetes physical qualification standards, or have a loss or impairment of limbs, you may be
able to satisfy alternative physical qualifications or quality for an exemption with the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Additional information can be found on
the FMCSA web site.
13. What if I can't meet the medical qualifications for interstate commercial operation?
If you do not meet the medical qualifications for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) interstate
commercial operation, you may qualify for an intrastate medical waiver through the Registry
of Motor Vehicles. This waiver permits operation of a CMV used in Massachusetts intrastate
commerce only.
clicking here.
Intrastate medical waiver applications and information may be accessed by
14. Why did my employer tell me that I do not need to have a DOT medical certificate even
though I drive a commercial vehicle? Most city, municipal and state employed commercial
drivers are not required to obtain a medical certificate. The same is true for beekeepers who
operate commercial vehicles. However, this is only if you drive exclusively for a municipality or
state agency.
In lieu of a medical certificate, Massachusetts requires you to submit an
Exemption document for EI or EA self-certification categories. Your employer will need to sign
an Exemption document in order for you to self-certify.
15. What if I work for a city or state agency but also plow in the winter for a contractor in
my town? In this case, you would need to have a medical certificate if you are operating a
commercial vehicle over 10,000 lbs. Also, drivers transporting 15 or more passengers or
carrying placarded hazardous materials, regardless of vehicle size, are required to carry a DOT
medical certificate.
16. I'm not currently driving a CDL vehicle or employed as a CDL driver. Do I still need
to self-certify? Yes, if you would like to keep your CDL, you must self-certify. Otherwise,
you may choose to downgrade to a Class D license. Drivers cannot keep a CDL without
self-certifying.
17. What if I fail to provide the required information? Failure to provide your self-certification
information and a copy of your medical certificate, if you require one, by January 30, 2014 will
result in the downgrading of your commercial driver license (CDL). You will receive notice from
the RMV reminding you to self-certify by the required date.
18. Can I provide my information to the RMV prior to that date? Yes, in Spring 2012 you will
be able to self-certify in an RMV branch on on-line.
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http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov https://www.mass.gov/doc/application-for-intrastate-medical-waivers-to-operate-class-a-b-or-c-commercial-motor-0/download http://www.massdot.state.ma.us/rmv/

Registry Procedures Manual

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