Medical Waivers for CDL Drivers Operating in INTRASTATE Commerce ONLY
EFFECTIVE MARCH 22, 2022 - The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a final rule in the Federal Register regarding changes to 49 CFR 391 that will take effect on March 22, 2022. Click the link to view the FMCSA Overview Webinar about the new FEDERAL process here.
Beginning March 22, 2022, Colorado Intrastate CDL Vision waiver applications no longer be processed.
The requirements of 49 CFR 391 adopted by Colorado by reference applies to all Colorado Intrastate CDL holders.
This regulatory change means that the Colorado Intrastate Vision Waiver Program will be phased out.
Individuals with a current and valid Colorado Intrastate CDL Vision Waiver after March 22, 2022 can choose to:
- Obtain a new DOT medical examination after March 22, 2022 to be included under the new regulations (and thus will be removed from the Colorado intrastate waiver program) ; OR
- Continue in the Colorado Intrastate Vision Waiver program until the expiration date of the current waiver. At that time, a new DOT medical examination MUST be completed in accordance with the new regulation.
- If you remain in the Program until the end of our current intrastate waiver and your waiver is cancelled for any reason, you will be removed from the Colorado intrastate waiver program. As a result, you must obtain a new DOT medical examination at that time and will be included under the new regulations.
When an individual has exited the Colorado Intrastate CDL Vision Waiver Program on or after March 22, 2022, the new regulations apply.
Colorado Intrastate CDL Vision waiver applications no longer be processed beginning March 22, 2022.
What conditions can be considered?
Individuals must currently hold a Colorado Commercial Drivers’ License (CDL), a Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) or be in the process of obtaining one.
The Colorado INTRASTATE Waiver program may consider a waiver for individuals who have failed to meet the requirements of 49 CFR 391.41 for the following permanent condition:
- 391.41(b)(1)-Loss of Limb and (b)(2)-Impairment of Limb (this condition requires a specific waiver application known as a Special Skills Evaluation or SPE);
A medical waiver will not be considered for persons who do not meet these requirements. Waivers will not be granted for multiple disqualifying conditions.
- The Colorado CDL Intrastate Medical Waiver Program does not approve waivers while temporarily unable to pass the DOT medical examination. The Department of Revenue, Division of Motor Vehicles, has processes in place for those circumstances. The CDL Unit may be reached at 303-205-5843 for more information.
For questions regarding the Colorado CDL Medical Waiver Program, please contact the Colorado State Patrol/Motor Carrier Section at 303-273-1875.
PLEASE allow SEVERAL weeks for application processing. INCOMPLETE application packets will delay processing of your request.
- Who's eligible to apply for an Intrastate medical waiver?
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Colorado, by statute, requires the same physical requirements listed in 49 CFR 391.41-391.49 for INTRAstate (Colorado-only) CDL drivers as INTERstate (crossing into other states) commercial drivers.
Please review the situations below to determine if you may be eligible for the Colorado CDL Medical Waiver Program. You MUST be a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holder, or in the process of APPLYING for a CLP (Commercial Learners Permit) as one requirement of the program.
- If you are a CDL driver operating in Intrastate (CO) commerce ONLY, you may be eligible to apply for an intrastate CDL medical waiver, depending upon the condition in question.
- If you are a NON-CDL driver operating in Intrastate (CO) commerce ONLY, you are not required by State law to hold a medical certificate. However, your company may utilize this standard; as a COMPANY policy. If this is the case, and you will NOT be pursuing a CDL or CLP, the company must make the decision whether to require you to hold this certificate, or if the COMPANY will waive this company policy for you.
- If you are a NON-CDL Driver, but drive for a taxi, limo, ride-sharing, or shuttle company, and are required to hold a medical card, you must apply to the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
- If you are a commercial driver (either CDL or non-CDL) in Interstate (crossing into other states) commerce, you are required by Federal regulations to hold a DOT medical certificate. In this case, you must contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Exemption Program team. You can find their information on their website: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/medical/driver-medical-requirements/driver-exemption-programs. If you have any questions, please contact FMCSA directly at fmcsamedical@dot.gov or 703-448-3094.
- How do I apply or reapply for my Waiver?
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APPLICATION SUBMISSION
The following information is required in order to process your application:
- Application for Loss or Impairment of Limb-contact waiver office for a copy at 303-273-1875
- Copy of the Medical Examination Report Form (also known as the long form) completed by an examiners listed on the National Registry of Medical Examiners;
- Copy of the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (also known as the DOT card);
- A copy of the front and back of your current driver’s license.
Please call prior to submitting the application if you have any questions. Incomplete applications will delay processing.
Application may be submitted by mail. Contact our main office at 303.273.1875 for additional information.
Mail Applications to:
Colorado State Patrol
CDL Medical Waiver Program
15075 South Golden Road
Golden, CO 80401 - What are the restrictions and requirements of the program is a waiver is granted?
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RESTRICTIONS AND REQUIREMENTS
If you are granted a Colorado CDL Intrastate Medical Waiver, you are responsible for understanding and complying with all requirements and restrictions of the Program. Violation of any requirement and/or restrictions of the program may result in the cancellation of your waiver.
- VALID for driving a CDL-required vehicle in INTRASTATE commerce ONLY.
- NOT VALID to transport:
- bulk hazardous materials, as defined in 49 CFR 171.8, OR
- commodities with a hazard class identified in 49 CFR 172.504 Table 1, OR
- commodities subject to the “Poison by Inhalation Hazard” shipping description in 49 CFR 172.203(m)(3)
Certain other restrictions may be imposed based upon medical evaluations on a case-by-case basis.
You are required to report, in writing, within 15 days any of the following events:
- Any citations for traffic violations in ANY vehicle.
- The judicial/administrative disposition of that citation for a moving violations following notice of disposition
- Involvement in ANY accident. Include copies of State, insurance company, and/or motor carrier accident reports.
- Any change of name, contact information, driving status, or change in medical condition
- How long is the "grace period" after either my DOT card or waiver expires?
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THERE IS NO GRACE PERIOD.
- Can I reapply my DOT exam and my waiver early so I don’t cut it so close?
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Yes, you may reapply at any time
- Does my personal doctor have to be certified to do DOT exams in order to sign the waiver part of the paperwork?
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NO. Only the medical examiner who issues you your DOT card must be listed on the Registry.
- Which comes first – the DOT exam or the visit to my personal doctor?
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Who Should I Visit First?
If you know you will need a waiver, it may be helpful to take the waiver paperwork (which is completed by your own doctor) with you to your DOT examination so the examiner can review it. Keep in mind, this is just the application form.
Medical Waivers for drivers operating in Interstate commerce will need to contact the FMCSA Federal Interstate Exemptions website