What Are The DOT Physical Blood Pressure Requirements?

What are the DOT physical blood pressure requirements?

Here are the medical guidelines according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Note that employers are allowed to impose more stringent medical requirements. (Physical qualifications for drivers. FMCSA Rules and Regulations: Part 391.41)

A driver with a BP of less than 140 systolic and less than 90 diastolic may be medically certified to drive for a two-year period.

A driver with a BP of 140 – 159 systolic and /or a BP of 90-99 diastolic, has stage 1 hypertension , and may be medically certified to drive for a one-year period. Certification examinations should be done annually thereafter and should be less than 140/90.

A driver with a a BP of 160-179 systolic and/or a BP of 100-109 diastolic, has stage 2 hypertension, and is a candidate for antihypertensive drug therapy. The driver is given a one-time certification of three months to reduce his or her blood pressure to less than or equal to 140/90. Provided treatment is well tolerated and the driver demonstrates a BP value of less than 140/90 , he or she may be re-certified for one year from the date of the initial exam. The driver is certified annually thereafter.

A driver with a BP at or greater than 180 systolic and / or 110 diastolic has stage 3 hypertension and is disqualified. The driver may not be qualified, even temporarily, until blood pressure is less than 140/90 and treatment is well tolerated. The driver may be certified for 6 months and biannually (every 6 months) thereafter if at recheck BP is less than 140/90.

Drivers with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease require treatment if their blood pressure rises above 140/90, since they already have a high risk of heart disease.

By Dr. Michael TiggesDOT Physical Helpful Tip SameDayDot.com

Dr. Michael, How did you happen to post this info? Weird, but that has been the main thing I have thinking about. Due to financial consideration (read: BROKE) I went off all meds about 8 months ago because the $100 Doctor's visit (no insurance) to get my meds perscription refilled was necessary along with the $175 blood test so the Doc COULD re-up my perscriptions even though the dosage hasn't change in forever - all this to get $4 perscriptions at Walmart . . . didn't make sense to me then but now I need to find out where I stand before I try to pass a DOT physical. So, anyway, thanks for the info because it gives me parameters I didn't have before. One other question - you say:

Drivers with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, or kidney disease require treatment if their blood pressure rises above 140/90, since they already have a high risk of heart disease.

I have type 2 and was using Metformin. Do you mean the dedicates has to be under treatment (as in Metformin or something else) or that if you have type 2 diabetes and the high BP as a result you have to be taking some form of BP meds?

Thanks,

Stephen E. Birch

Are these parameters still valid? I was sent to Denver from New Orleans and I found out today my blood pressure is about 10 points higher than usual. (135/88 is my norm 148/99 was today's pre test) I just don't know if I'll get kicked out and have to find my way home or not. Short notice I know. Thanks for any replies.

I don't know what are your companies rules regarding blood pressure? Typically pressure like yours just means a one year card instead of a 2 year.

Phil

Yes, those are still valid. Here is some info:

• Blood Pressure Requirements For DOT Physical
• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) Guidelines & Advice

So basically i had my DOT physical today. I got a blood pressure reading of 142/72 and got sent home, but with a letter for my doctor? What am i supposed to do now to get back in school?

Go see your personal Doctor; have the problem addressed so your BP reading is never above 140/90.

Once you and your Doc agree, contact the school and let them know your BP is under control and you want to return to school.

Yes, this is a medical question. However 142/72 is high, but that particular number that particular day may be caused just by being nervous at the physical. Two hours later your BP might be less.

But even lowered to just under 140/90, "on a good day", is something to discuss with your regular doctor. It's kinda high. And you would receive a short-time (less than 2 years) physical card.