In Wisconsin, all Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders are generally required to possess a valid Federal Medical (Fed Med) Card, also known as a DOT medical card, unless their specific type of commercial driving qualifies as "excepted" from federal medical certification requirements. This card certifies that a CDL driver is medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely.
Understanding the Fed Med Card Requirement in Wisconsin
The State of Wisconsin mandates that most CDL drivers maintain an up-to-date DOT medical card to comply with federal regulations. This medical certificate ensures that drivers operating commercial vehicles meet the rigorous physical and mental standards necessary for public safety.
Key Takeaways:
- CDL Drivers: If you hold a CDL in Wisconsin, you likely need a Fed Med card.
- Federal Standards: The medical examination must meet federal Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certificate requirements.
- DMV Submission: You are required to submit your current Fed Med card to the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and ensure it remains updated. Failing to do so can lead to a downgrade of your CDL.
What is a Federal Medical (Fed Med) Card?
A Fed Med card is an official document issued by a certified medical examiner after a successful DOT physical examination. This examination assesses a driver's overall health, including vision, hearing, blood pressure, and presence of certain medical conditions that could impair their ability to drive safely.
The card acts as proof that the driver is medically qualified to operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) according to the standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
Who Specifically Needs One?
Generally, any driver operating a vehicle that:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more.
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
- Is used to transport hazardous materials that require placarding.
These drivers are typically engaged in "non-excepted" commercial driving, meaning they are subject to federal DOT medical certification rules.
Categories of Commercial Driving and Medical Certification
The FMCSA categorizes commercial motor vehicle operation into four types, determining whether a medical certificate is required:
| Type of Commerce | Description | DOT Med Card Required? |
|---|---|---|
| Non-Excepted Interstate | You operate a CMV in interstate commerce and are subject to 49 CFR Part 391. | Yes |
| Non-Excepted Intrastate | You operate a CMV only in intrastate commerce and are subject to state medical certification requirements. Wisconsin typically aligns with federal standards for CDL holders. | Yes |
| Excepted Interstate | You operate a CMV in interstate commerce but engage exclusively in transportation or operations that are excepted from all or parts of 49 CFR Part 391. | No |
| Excepted Intrastate | You operate a CMV only in intrastate commerce but engage exclusively in transportation or operations that are excepted from all or parts of the state's medical certification requirements (which mirror federal). | No |
Source: FMCSA Driver Medical Requirements
Understanding "Excepted" Commerce
The reference states that a Fed Med card is not required "unless the type of commerce you drive qualifies as 'Excepted'." This refers to specific scenarios where federal medical certification rules do not apply.
Common examples of "excepted" operations can include:
- Federal, state, or local government employees operating CMVs for governmental functions.
- Farm vehicle drivers operating within 150 air miles of the farm.
- Drivers transporting human corpses or sick/injured persons.
- Drivers of fire trucks or rescue vehicles during emergencies.
It's crucial for drivers to verify their specific operating conditions against official FMCSA guidelines or contact the Wisconsin DMV to confirm if their activities truly fall under an "excepted" category. Most CDL holders engaged in general commercial transportation will need a Fed Med card.
Maintaining Your Fed Med Card in Wisconsin
Once you obtain your DOT medical card, the responsibility falls on you to keep it current and ensure the Wisconsin DMV has your latest information.
Steps for Compliance:
- Get a DOT Physical: Schedule an examination with a certified medical examiner. You can find certified examiners through the FMCSA National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners.
- Submit to DMV: After passing your physical, submit a copy of your new DOT medical certificate to the Wisconsin DMV. This can often be done online, by mail, or in person.
- Keep it Updated: DOT medical cards typically expire every two years, but some conditions may require more frequent examinations. Always renew your card before its expiration date to avoid issues with your CDL status.
- Carry a Copy: Always carry your valid DOT medical card or a copy of it with your CDL.
Failure to submit and maintain an updated medical card with the Wisconsin DMV can result in the loss of your CDL driving privileges or a downgrade of your license.
