(Aug. 8, 2016) — The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) have contacted OTA to specify that drivers with class D licences operating commercially in the United States must be in compliance with driver medical fitness requirements.
US law requires the driver of a commercial vehicle that has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating or Gross Combination Weight Rating, or Gross Vehicle Weight or Gross Combination Weight of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more, whichever is greater, to have completed a medical examination indicating they are physically qualified to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Unlike other Ontario commercial classes (Class A, B, C, E and F), Ontario’s class D drivers are only required to file a medical report at licence application and again at the age of 80.
At the request of OTA, and in collaboration with MTO, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA), FMCSA and the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), US enforcement officials have agreed to take a soft enforcement approach related to this requirement until April 1, 2017 in order to allow drivers the opportunity to comply. During the soft enforcement period, FMCSA has asked US enforcement officials to not issue tickets or place drivers out-of-service. Effective April 1, 2017 drivers who are unable to produce proof of medical fitness may be ticketed and/or placed out of service.
To assist those drivers in the Ontario trucking industry that may need to comply with FMCSA’s requirements, drivers can choose one of three options:
Submit to MTO a completed FMCSA Medical Report form found at: http://www.forms.ssb.gov.on.ca/mbs/ssb/forms/ssbforms.nsf/GetFileAttach/5080E~1/$File/5080E.pdf.;
Upgrade an existing D-class licence to a higher licence class where regular medical reporting is required or;
Seek the services of a certified medical examiner in the US and be issued a medical certificate (https://nationalregistry.fmcsa.dot.gov/NRPublicUI/home.seam).
MTO will consider a previously filed medical report if you have upgraded your licence and the examination date falls within the previous six months. However, because there are currently no requirements for on-going proof of medical fitness for class D drivers, the driver will still be required to select at some point either Option 1, 2 or 3 as noted above should they wish to continue driving commercially in the US. Medical reports are required as follows:
• Every 5 years for drivers 18 to 45 years of age;
• Every 3 years for drivers 46 to 65 years of age;
• Every year for drivers 66 years of age or older
If you have recently upgraded your licence and have filed a medical report, to determine when the next medical report will be required, class D drivers can call 416-235-1773 or 1-800-268-1481 to speak with a Customer Service representative and have their file reviewed.
Drivers who submit a satisfactory medical report and who are deemed compliant with US law will receive a Medical Confirmation Letter from MTO. Drivers must carry the Medical Confirmation Letter as proof of medical fitness at all times while operating a commercial vehicle in the US.
For detailed information on the MTO process and to obtain proof of medical fitness related this specific issue, please click here.
To assist in the outreach and awareness of this issue, MTO will also be providing a letter to CVOR holders who have indicated they may have drivers who operate commercially into the United States.
OTA is appreciative of the continued co-operative efforts put forth by MTO, CCMTA, FMCSA and CVSA to assist industry during this transition.
OTA members with questions concerning this issue can contact operations&safety@ontruck.org