As previously reported by OTA, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will begin to require drivers with G Class licences operating commercial vehicles (as defined by FMCSA) into the United States to show proof of medical fitness.
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. Based on differences in the weight of vehicles allowed to operate with a G-class licence and the US weight threshold, there may be some G-class drivers operating vehicles defined by the US as commercial vehicles into the United States who will be required to come into compliance with US law.
FMCSA will provide a transition period up until April 1, 2016 for Ontario G Class licence holders to come into compliance. The attached enforcement guidance issued by FMCSA October 19, 2015 outlines the transition period between now and April 1, 2016 that emphasizes educational enforcement as well as the options available for showing compliance.
To assist in this process the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) has developed a new medical reporting option for G-class drivers. Should you wish to obtain further information about this process please contact MTO at driverimprovementoffice@ontario.ca with a subject line ‘FMCSA’.
Alternatively, drivers affected by this issue may wish to seek the services of a certified medical examiner in the U.S. and be issued a medical certificate. Full details on how to seek out an FMCSA certified medical examiner can be found by clicking here.
OTA members with questions can email operations&safety@ontruck.org for more information.
See the official guidance here: FMCSA Canadian Class 5 Advisory 10192015 final