What is the Weight Cutoff?

By Dr. Lawrence Earl 

For more information and questions about this or other DOT topics, email learl@NAOHP.com or join our weekly webinar at my.demio.com/ref/a63EnRKoEcpMqE2W.

Obesity is an epidemic in commercial drivers. As a group, they are also getting older, are sedentary, smoke, have poor eating habits, have multiple medical problems including cardiovascular disease and obstructive sleep apnea, and are unhealthier than the general population. 

You are responsible for ensuring only a driver who meets the federal physical qualification requirements is issued a medical examiner’s certificate. When you issue a medical examiner’s certificate, you are certifying the driver is medically fit for duty and can perform the driver role that is described in the medical examination form. 

Case Example 

“We have a patient that weighs 594 pounds. I’m trying to find documentation about specific requirements before this patient can be cleared to drive. I know he needs a sleep apnea workup. Also, since he weighed 460 pounds last year and now weighs 594 pounds, our MD wants an ECHO for cardiac function. Is there anything else?”

Operating a commercial vehicle is considered a heavy-duty job. Although there is no specific “cutoff ” for weight or BMI, the medical examiner does need to evaluate the driver for conditions that would affect fitness for duty and safe operation of the vehicle. 

Consider whether the patient is able to climb into and exit from the cab: climbing steps much as one would climb a ladder, maintaining three points of contact gripping the handrails, and stepping up/down several times a day. Hip angle and knee flexion may both have to exceed 90 degrees. 

Other strenuous tasks include coupling and uncoupling the trailers, raising and lowering trailer supports, and connecting cables with physically demanding grip strength, upper body strength, range of motion, and balance. 

portrait of Dr. Larry Earl
Lawrence Earl, MD
National
Academy of
DOT Medical
Examiners

Physical demands of commercial driving are equivalent to six METS upon stress testing. We know extreme obesity carries risks for many other diseases, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. 

The medical examiner is responsible for evaluating drivers at risk for certain conditions and requiring the driver to obtain further evaluation to the examiner’s satisfaction. 

At the very least, I would want to see a full cardiac evaluation,  sleep apnea workup, and physical agility testing to ascertain fitness for performing the tasks outlined above. ←

Thank You To Our Annual Sponsors

Join Our Network of Occupational Health Professionals

Name(Required)