• Insulin-dependent driver break

    Drivers who use insulin to control their diabetes no longer need three years of experience operating a commercial motor vehicle while being treated with insulin to be eligible for FMCSA's diabetes exemption program. In a notice of revised final disposition, published in the Federal Register November 8, 2005 (Docket No. FMCSA-2001-9800), FMCSA revised the criteria for diabetes exemption for commercial
    Jan. 1, 2006

    Drivers who use insulin to control their diabetes no longer need three years of experience operating a commercial motor vehicle while being treated with insulin to be eligible for FMCSA's diabetes exemption program.

    In a “notice of revised final disposition,” published in the Federal Register November 8, 2005 (Docket No. FMCSA-2001-9800), FMCSA revised the criteria for diabetes exemption for commercial drivers operating in interstate commerce.

    The revision establishes a “specified minimum period of insulin use to demonstrate stable control of diabetes before being allowed to operate a CMV.”

    The changes are effective immediately.

    Drivers can request exemption applications by phone (703-448-3094), fax (703-448-3077), or mail: Federal Diabetes Exemption Program, Office of Bus & Truck Standards & Operations, FMCSA, 400 Seventh St. SW, Washington DC 20590-0001.

    The revisions, which were mandated by Congress this summer as part of the latest Highway Bill, will remain in effect until FMCSA completes a rulemaking to change the section of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that applies to drivers with insulin-dependent diabetes.

    About the Author

    MARILYN WILSON

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