Thinking about hanging it up, question about CDL

My state no longer allows you to keep your CDL active unless you self-certify as using your CDL in 1 of 2 ways that doesn't require current DOT card. They sometimes want proof for which employer you work for. For example if you self cert as working for govt & not needing a DOT card you may need to prove you have a govt job. My state allows me to have my CDL inactive for 4 years & 364 days & then getting a new DOT card and reinstate your CDL. You need to see your state laws & procedures. I just decided to keep getting a new DOT card & self-certify because it guarantees my CDL is never suspended and I won't have to re-pass a state road test again.

BTW, my state had one & only one way to get rid of HazMat and it requires exchanging your HM CDL for a non-HM CDL in person at the DMV. Any other process, like just waiting for it to expire, will cause your whole CDL to be suspended. Not every state has this requirement. Read the reg in your state. Don't guess or believe anybody's word about how it should go in your state.

 

Kentucky will suspend cdl if med card is not renewed. I retire this year but will keep cdl, cuz you know....

 

Not all states are the same when it comes to what they allow. In Ohio, you can self-certify excepted intrastate and DO NOT need a medical card! Just keep in mind you CAN NOT operate a CMV over 10,001 in interstate commerce EVEN with a CDL. People sometimes get the FMCSA medical requirements confused. For the purposes of a medical card, a CMV is defined as any commercial vehicle over 10,001 NOT 26,001!

I have a bad case of Covid again and am not feeling well right now. @ZVar can better explain what I mean about interstate commerce!


LINK

Commercial Driver (CDL) Self-Certification
Drivers who apply for a Commercial Learner Permit (CLP) or CDL must self-certify their type of driving as described below. Please see the CDL Self-Certification Authorization (form BMV 2159) for examples from each category.

Category 1 Non-Excepted Interstate
CDL holders who drive across state lines or transport freight that has or will cross state lines and must meet federal medical requirements subject to 49 CFR part 391. Must submit a medical card to the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV).

Category 2 Excepted Interstate
CDL holders who drive across state lines but do not need to meet federal medical requirements. Operating exclusively in transportation or operations excepted under 49 CFR 390.3(f), 391.2, 39168 or 398.3.

Category 3 Non-Excepted Intrastate
CDL holders who drive exclusively in Ohio and do not drive across state lines, but are required to meet state medical requirements.

Category 4 Excepted Intrastate
CDL holders who do not use the CDL for business purposes and are not required to meet state medical requirements. Operating exclusively in transportation or operations excepted from all or part of the state driver qualification requirements. (R.C. 4506.03(B)(1-10))

How Do I Self-Certify?
Drivers can self-certify:

• Self-Certify Online (Categories 2, 3 and 4 only)
• By emailing, mailing, or faxing the CDL Self-Certification Authorization (form BMV 2159) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if applicable) to the contact information listed on the form. Your name, address, and contact number must be listed on all documents.
• In person at any deputy registrar license agency. Bring the CDL Self-Certification Authorization (form BMV 2159) and Medical Examiner’s Certificate (if applicable). Please note, if you go to a deputy registrar license agency, there is $5.00 fee.

 

In Florida if you don't have a current medical card on file the CDL Class A gets downgraded to a Class E Operators license. I have heard you can get everything back within 18 months by providing a current medical card, but I haven't tried it so I don't know if this is true.

 

Let me come into this discussion several months late. Here in Virginia, driving a healthcare vehicle, a vehicle outfitted to do medical tests such as mammograms, would a driver for this type of vehicle fall under Excepted Intrastate or Excepted Interstate?