PA DOT health card - Diesel Forum

drbond · 06-09-2005, 11:15 AM

Was just informed last night by DOT that as of June 1 ANY towing vehicle that exceeds 26,000 combined needs a health card. Only exceptions are motor homes and travel trailers. Not sure if this is actual but contacted my doctor and he confirmed that people are getting them as they have been fined for not having it. Doesn't matter if you are NOT commercial, just goes by combined weight.
Just wondering if any PA people out there heard of this too?

Thanks,
Bondo©

Freightrain · 06-09-2005, 11:28 AM

This falls into the infamous "CDL" controversy. Anything over 26,001 needs a CDL, and with that comes a physical every 2 yrs. Nothing difficult, just a basic once over with your doctor to check that you breathe and have a pulse. I just re-did mine a couple weeks ago.

drbond · 06-09-2005, 11:36 AM

I know what you are talking about, I always carry my letter stating that. This is a NEW law, just cam in June 1. Trying to get a written confirmation from the PA DOT, but not having much luck. And yes it is the same simple health check. Biggest thing is they are pulling over people hauling flat bed trailers and horse trailers and just fining them with no warnings. That bugs me a bit..

Bondo©

BarrySmith · 06-10-2005, 03:38 AM

It's usually anybody over 26000lbs. I've never understood why you can drive a motorhome or pull a camper over 26000 without a cdl and medical card? The doctor visit isn't bad basically it you can see lightning and hear thunder they'll give you one.

JADFPE · 06-10-2005, 09:07 AM

Come on - A DOT physical card is a little harder than that. Many health conditions will prevent you from getting that card.

The doctor is suppossed to check for illegal drug use, uncontrolled diabetes, high blood pressure, and numerous other things.

John

Freightrain · 06-10-2005, 10:21 AM

Yes, they do check you over. As long as you are basically healthy...it's easy. Yes, you have to pee in a cup now(before it was blood work), eyes, BP, overall condition.

Friend has diabetes, he has to take special Fed test to okay his CDL. If they find you can't pass the special test then he loses them.

CaptRon · 06-10-2005, 11:11 AM

You guys are lucky, in South Carolina anything over 26,000# including RV's requires a DOT medical, drug screen, written, and driving exams. This means the exact same requirements as a cdl but you can be issued a non-commercial class E or F instead for personal use. I really don't understand why someone would take the time and expense to get an E or F instead of just getting a CDL, makes no sense at all.

As far as cost, $45 for the medical, $65 for the drug screen, and $60 for the written/drive exam. So that's $175 for a license to drive any vehicle that weighs more than 26,000#.

I used to have a CDL AM/PTX but when it came time to renew in 2001 was unable to pass the medical due to a back injury and lost my CDL.

Capt Ron

Joshs1100 · 06-10-2005, 12:06 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Yes, they do check you over. As long as you are basically healthy...it's easy. Yes, you have to pee in a cup now(before it was blood work), eyes, BP, overall condition.

[/ QUOTE ]

Wow, when I got mine, the Dr. didn't even do an exam. Just talked to me for about 1 minute and signed the paper.

j_apetersen · 06-12-2005, 10:42 AM

the drug screen is not part of the health card and if you have high blood pressure then it is 1 year.

larry_minn · 06-12-2005, 10:06 PM

As ususal it is all about the $$$$
[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]
Lets be (fair) if we want safer roads everyone should be reqired to have proof of a medical check every (say) 5yrs. (you should go in that often anyway) Then require you to take a written test every 10yrs. (to keep DL) They have some wonderful simulators. Make that every 5yrs as well. That way we know if proples reaction time/decision making is fading. (as well as observation/vision)

drbond · 06-13-2005, 10:22 AM

Ok just got the skinny from the CDL medical department of PA. If you are over 10,000 combined, and hauling for profit OR going to any shows or meets that you compete for ribbons/money, you MUST have a medical card. If you are just hauling your horses (in my condition) for personal use or recreational use, you do not need one. Now the 26,000 limit still exists, but then you get into the CDL portion.
So my main question was answered, as I only haul my horses for recreational use and are under the 26,000 combined limit.

Bondo©

Freightrain · 06-13-2005, 11:53 AM

Now...isn't that the biggest crock [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Two people driving the same equipment, going to the same show, but one person is NOT competing so he is not required to have physical to drive truck/trailer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

THAT makes a lot of sense [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img] [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

But, then again NONE of this stuff is ever going to make sense...the gov't is running it [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]