FINAL BILL REPORT

SHB 1597

C 195 L 03

Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description: Allowing holders of commercial drivers' licenses to delay a physical examination.

Sponsors: By House Committee on Transportation (originally sponsored by Representatives Mielke, Armstrong, Boldt, Orcutt, Wood, Woods, Kristiansen, Campbell, Hatfield, Sump and Schoesler).

House Committee on Transportation

Senate Committee on Highways & Transportation

Background:

An applicant for a commercial driver's license (CDL) or CDL instruction permit must provide proof that he or she has undergone a physical exam that meets the federal requirements for commercial drivers. Thus, the statute links the two requirements of physical capacity and licensing. Under federal rules, a driver must provide proof of physical capacity and a valid CDL, but the two are separate requirements.

Summary:

An individual applying for a CDL or a CDL instruction permit is not required to provide proof of a physical exam with his or her application.

An individual may not drive a commercial motor vehicle unless he or she is physically qualified to do so, and is carrying a copy of a medical examiner's certificate that states he or she is fit to drive a commercial vehicle. An exception is provided for drivers of farm vehicles.

It is a traffic infraction for a person to drive a commercial vehicle without having a copy of the medical examiner's certificate on his or her person. The penalty for the infraction is $250. This amount may be reduced to $50 if the individual can provide proof that he or she held a valid certificate at the time of the infraction.

Votes on Final Passage:

House 92  1

Senate 39  10

Effective: July 27, 2003