New Pennsylvania Regulations for Commercial Drivers to Take Effect Jan. 30

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- With the signing of House Bill 1458, Governor Tom Corbett today made sure Pennsylvania is in compliance with new rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, or FMCSA, dealing with commercial driver's license (CDL) holders. 

FMCSA amended the federal regulations to require CDL holders to provide a current copy of their Medical Examiner's Certificate to their state driver licensing agency, if their type of commercial driving requires a physical exam.

"The main issue is ensuring our highways are safe," said PennDOT Safety Administration Deputy Secretary, Kurt J. Myers. "The Medical Examiner's Certificate is being linked to the CDL to ensure that only medically qualified drivers are operating commercial vehicles."

The federal agency recently amended regulations to require CDL-holders or applicants to self-certify the type of driving they do, or expect to do, with their state's licensing agency.

Current CDL permit holders, out-of-state CDL transferees, and people seeking a CDL on or after Jan. 30 will be required to meet the provisions of the new law when testing, applying for a permit or transferring a CDL from another state. Their driving record will be updated to indicate that they have met the requirements. 

PennDOT will begin notifying existing CDL holders of the new requirements by mail in March.

Information on the new law and certification forms can be found by clicking on the button titled "New CDL Law" at www.dmv.state.pa.us.

Media contact: Jan McKnight, 717-787-0485

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Transportation