New to me

layoutshooter · Jan 3, 2011

I learned a new thing today thanks to the FDCC Safety Department. They saved me from a possible violation that I was not aware of. I am sure that many in here already know this but I am posting it for the benefit of those who do not.

The last time that I renewed my CDL I was able to pass the eye exam without glasses. Since then I have aged (most of us do) and now on my medical card it states that I have to use corrective lenses while driving.

FDCC informed me that the CDL must match the medical card or it is a violation. SO, I drove down to the Secretary of State office, paid $18 and had my corrective lenses added to my CDL.

Just a heads up for those, like me, who were not aware of that requirement.

1CHINGON · Jan 3, 2011

Hey Jose
when you say you added corrective lenses to your CDL, are you saying that if on your medical card it states you need corrective lenses, then that must be reflected on your CDL?

Then I got a question for you: not once has any doctor mentioned my corrective lenses they see me wear, but my license states that I must wear them. So, do I need to run back to the doctor and have him add corrective lenses to my medical card to be in compliance?

Serious, my CDL is marked for lenses must be worn, but nothing on my card. Be safe!

layoutshooter · Jan 4, 2011

1CHINGON said:
Hey Jose
when you say you added corrective lenses to your CDL, are you saying that if on your medical card it states you need corrective lenses, then that must be reflected on your CDL?

Then I got a question for you: not once has any doctor mentioned my corrective lenses they see me wear, but my license states that I must wear them. So, do I need to run back to the doctor and have him add corrective lenses to my medical card to be in compliance?

Serious, my CDL is marked for lenses must be worn, but nothing on my card. Be safe!

I have no idea. I was just passing on what FDCC safety told me. They stated that since my med card was marked for corrective lenses the CDL had to reflect that as well.

TeamCaffee · Jan 4, 2011

I think our safety department as well as Terry do a pretty darn good job of learning the rules and regulations and passing them on to us.

I know Terry has been talking to all of the E unit drivers about a possible violation they can receive on trailers. He is carrying the supplies to do a temporary fix on the trailers until they can get into a shop.

Safety has saved our behind more then once on HazMat loads when the shipper is wanting to take a short cut. Once the paperwork was not done correctly and it took over an hour to get it right and we were free to go. The first scale in California on I5 pulled me in for a level one. They wanted to see all of my paperwork and then inspected the truck. They went through that paperwork with a fine tooth comb and it passed inspection. If the paperwork had not been right I believe we would have shared in the fine.

Sometimes I get very frustrated with safety and what I consider their nit picking. I have found that their nit picking is well worth it in the long run as we are legal and i am confident we are legal.

layoutshooter · Jan 4, 2011

I for one am more than happy to have FDCC safety keeping track of all the new regulations. There are many new and obscure regulations out there. Some make sense, others are just revenue producers. There is just no way for ONE driver to keep track of every regulation in every state. They are often NOT written in plain English. I need all the help I can get.