How Long Do I Have After DOT Medical Card Expires?
You, like the majority of truck drivers, could often go along the highway and be absent for many days at a time. Sometimes, this might make it challenging to keep up with all the documentation you need to do to maintain your certification. Should you find yourself in the unfortunate position of having a Department of Transportation medical card that has expired, it is a good idea to be aware of whether or not you have a grace period to renew it.
How much time a motorist has following the expiration of a DOT medical card differs from state to state. Some jurisdictions allow a little grace period before suspending the driver’s commercial license. Still, most states immediately take action to either cancel or reduce the driver’s license privileges until the medical card is valid again.
Significant rig drivers violate federal rules if they do not possess a federally-issued medical card that is up to date. Please continue reading to find out how long you have to renew it so that you may avoid losing your income and perhaps even your job.
DOT Medical Card (Medical Card)
Every motorist with a commercial driver’s license (CDL) must inform their State Motorist Licensing Agency (SDLA) of which of the four retail driving categories they intend to operate a vehicle in beginning in the year 2014. Individuals who self-certify as Interstate Non-Excepted are obliged to carry a Department of Transportation medical card by federal law requirements.
According to this federal legislation, which is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), every commercial driver who travels vehicles with a maximum gross weight of 10,000 pounds or over across state borders is required to undergo a medical examination and be accepted for the Department of Transportation Medical card.
What will happen after the expiration of my DOT medical card?
At the time of its issuance, a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate or card is usually valid for two years, and it is anticipated to be renewed before the date on which it expires. Some medical disorders need regular monitoring. When this occurs, the medical examiner has the authority to reduce the validity duration of the card to a year or even three months, depending on the circumstances.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) medical card will immediately suspend or downgrade your commercial driver’s license privileges, with a few exceptions. Make it a top priority to arrange a physical examination with a healthcare practitioner certified by the Department of Transportation (DOT) if your medical card has expired.
The states that allow for a grace period for DOT medical cards that have expired
Renewing a medical card is different in each state. Most states do not provide any grace period after a Department of Transportation medical card expires. After the expiry of the license’s validity term, you may be subject to limitations or even revocation of your license. A few states allow for a penalty-free renewal period. In contrast, a smaller number of jurisdictions require you to do a complete retake of your commercial driver’s license examination.
| State | Grace Period | Immediate Action Against CDL | Long-Term Action Against CDL |
| Arkansas | 60 days | Downgraded to non-certified | Canceled after 60 days |
| Colorado | 10 days | Downgraded to NOT after 10 days | Canceled after 23 days |
| Hawaii | 53 days | None | Downgraded to non-commercial |
| Indiana | 30 days | Downgraded to non-certified | Canceled after 30 days |
| Kansas | 60 days | Downgraded to non-certified | Revoked after 60 days |
| Kentucky | 12 months | None | CDL & vision retest required after 1 year; Start over after 5 years |
| Massachusetts | 60 days | Downgraded to Class D after 60 days | Retest after 1 year |
| Montana | 10 days | Downgraded to non-certified and non-commercial | |
| New Jersey | 10 days | None | Downgraded to basic license after 30 days |
| New York | 55 days | Downgraded to non-certified | Canceled after 55 days |
| Utah | 45 days | None | Canceled |
| Virginia | 30 days | Downgraded to non-certified | Canceled after 30 days |
The next step is to look at the states that do not have a grace period.
When a DOT Medical Card expires, several states need a new application.
In a few states, the laws provide that a driver must reapply for a new commercial driver’s license (CDL) if the medical criteria are not satisfied by the period mentioned earlier.
They are:
- In Arizona
- The state of North:
- SC (South Carolina)
- The Ezoic State of Tennessee
- Wyoming (WY)
It is common practice for other states to revert the driver’s commercial license to a non-certified status until the driver completes a new medical examination and obtains a new medical card from the Department of Transportation.
How Do I Renew My Medical Card with the Department of Transportation?
You may be asking how to renew your card after it has expired, given that you are aware that, in some areas, you will be required to do so to continue working.
If you want to renew your DOT medical card, the processes are as follows:
- Make an appointment for a physical examination with a health practitioner who is Department of Transportation-certified.
- Take a look at your vital data.
- Please check your eyesight.
- Be sure to check your hearing.
- Please provide the examiner with a record of your personal medical history.
Please include any current issues you are experiencing or drugs you are now taking. At this point, you are fully aware of the time you have to renew your Department of Transportation medical card after it expires.
Remarks to Conclude
You must comprehend that even if there has been no change in your physical condition, you must still renew your Department of Transportation medical card. If you let your driver’s license lapse, you put your job as a big rig driver at peril, and the penalties might be imminent, depending on where you reside.