Update: One-third of Commercial Drivers Have Yet to Comply With State and Federal Law, Time is Running Out

Early in the year I had blogged that Minnesota commercial licensed drivers needed to comply with federal and state regulation or lose their driving privileges.  I also told you it had to happen before the end of January.  There are still one-third of drivers that have not yet complied.  If you're in that number take action now!

According to the MN Department of  Public Safety, approximately 250,000 Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders, nearly 82,000 have not yet provided self-certification of their commercial driving status and, in some cases, proper medical documentation.  Nearly 33, 0000 CDL holders have self-certified.

CDL holders include school bus, semi-tractor trailer and garbage truck drivers.  Non-exempt interstate and intrastate drivers must provide a current medical examiner’s certification along with any waivers required to maintain commercial driver status.  Exempt interstate and intrastate drivers do not need to provide a medical examiner’s certificate but do need to complete a self-certification form. If you are unsure if you need to comply, be sure to call and ask to be sure!  The deadline to provide all documentation is Jan. 30, 2014.

If CDL holders do not comply by Jan. 30, 2014.  You would be downgraded to a Class D license, which would leave most drivers unable to legally engage in inter- or intrastate commercial driving.  The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Driver and Vehicle Services Division (DVS) sent letters to all CDL holders in Minnesota reminding them to complete their self-certification.

How to Self-Certify

CDL holders need to:

To Self-Certify CDL holders need to:

Check the status of the driver’s license online [here]. If “Self-cert” is not listed, then a Self-Certification form must be submitted.

Complete the Commercial Driver License Medical Self-Certification Form (PS33203)

If a CDL driver certifies that they are subject to medical examination requirements, they must provide a copy of their Medical Examination Report (PS30158) and any required waiver (Insulin-treated diabetes, vision, seizure/loss of consciousness, limb impairment).

Submit a completed self-certification form and, if applicable, a current medical examiner’s certificate, to DVS via mail, fax or in person to any driver exam station or driver license office.

CLD drivers can also call 1.651.205.4908.