Understanding FMCSA Regulations for Commercial Drivers

1. Qualifications of Drivers

2. Purpose This presentation is intended to educate commercial motor carriers and their drivers on the FMCSA regulations on driver qualifications.

3. Exemptions There are certain exemptions to these guidelines. For a complete list, please visit: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.2.htm

4. Commercial Driver Requirements • Be in good health and physically able to perform all duties of a driver • Be at least 21 years of age • Be able to drive vehicle safely

5. Commercial Driver Requirements • Know how to safely load, block, brace and secure the cargo • Have only one valid commercial driver’s license • Provide an employing motor carrier with a list of all motor vehicle violations (See Part 391.27).

6. Commercial Driver Requirements • Pass a driver’s road test or equivalent • Complete an application for employment • Possess a valid medical certificate

7. Commercial Driver Requirements Speak and read English well enough to: • Converse with the general public • Understand traffic signs and signals • Respond to official questions • Be able to make legible entries on reports and records

8. Physical Requirements A person shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he/she is physically qualified to do so. For a complete list of physical requirements, please visit: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsr/regs/391.41.htm

9. Driver’s Responsibilities A driver shall not operate a commercial motor vehicle unless: • They can determine whether the cargo being transported has been properly located, distributed and secured • They are familiar with methods and procedures for securing cargo

10. Disqualification • A driver who is disqualified shall not drive a commercial motor vehicle • A motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver who is disqualified to drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)

11. Disqualification A driver can be disqualified if convicted for: • Driving a CMV while under the influence of alcohol • Driving a CMV while under the influence of drugs or controlled substances • Transporting or possessing a drug or controlled substance

12. Disqualification • Leaving the scene of an accident that involves a CMV • Using a CMV to commit a felony • Using a CMV to violate an Out-of-Service Order • Using a CMV to violate the railroad-highway grade crossing rule

13. Driver Qualification File Every motor carrier must have a file for each regularly employed driver that includes: • Driver’s application for employment • Inquiry to previous employers – 3 years • Inquiry to state agencies – 3 years • Inquiry to state agencies - annual

14. Driver Qualification File • Annual review of driving record • Annual driver’s certification of violations • Driver’s road test certificate or equivalent • Medical examiner’s certificate

15. Penalties • A first offender is disqualified for one year following conviction or forfeiture (6 months for possession of a controlled substance) • For a second offense within three years, a driver is disqualified for three years

16. In Conclusion Thank you for your time and attention!