Does a CDL driver need to carry a medical card with them? | Ask the DMV
Q: Does a R.I. Commercial Driver License driver need to carry their medical card with them, even though it reads that we have a current card on the back of the license?
— Louie N.
A: I contacted our Commercial Driver License (CDL) Office, which is located on the third floor of the Cranston DMV, and this is what they said: “If the driver has a valid medical certificate on file with the DMV, their status would come up as “certified” if law enforcement does an inquiry.
Law enforcement can still request to view the actual medical card, which is why we (RI DMV) recommend the driver always carry a medical card or certificate on their person when driving a commercial motor vehicle.”
Our website (dmv.ri.gov) has a very complete and thorough section on CDLs. You can find it in the “License, Permits & IDs” tab and the “Commercial” page.
Any new requirements can be found here, such as medical certificates, vision standards, proof of status requirement, eligibility, out-of-state CDL transfer, military skills test waiver, and other updates and information that CDL holders should know. There is information on school bus transportation, pupil transportation certificates, chauffeur requirements and much more.
The DMV has launched a “chatbot” on our website that has been receiving a lot of hits. You’ll notice an orange box that will appear at the bottom of our website: “Need Help? Ask Donna.” This is named in honor of one of our employees who answers the DMV telephone line and provides great customer service and information to all. Click on this and type in your DMV-related question. Your answer will come back with the correct page on our website, and it will have an answer.
Chuck Hollis is assistant administrator of the Rhode Island Division of Motor Vehicles. Please email your questions to cars@providencejournal.com with “Ask the DMV” in the subject field.
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Does a CDL driver need to carry a medical card? | Ask the RI DMV
