There are currently no laws requiring a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical for sleep apnea. Does DOT or FMCSA require sleep apnea testing? It’s important to know most sleep apnea cases can be successfully treated. However, once they receive successful treatment, they can then qualify for “medically-qualified-to-drive” status. While FMCSA regulations do not currently address sleep apnea specifically, the FMCSA does state an individual with a clinical diagnosis or medical history of any condition that could interfere with their safe driving ability can’t be medically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. Does sleep apnea disqualify you from CDL? If you suspect you have sleep apnea or are you ready to renew your Commercial Drivers license (CDL), keep reading to learn more about the Department of Transportation (DOT) and CPAP compliance requirements. People who drive tired, a symptom of sleep apnea, may not realize how much their lack of sleep affects their driving, which is why undiagnosed sleep apnea is a major concern for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).Ĭurrently, federal law does not require testing, but testing and treatment for sleep apnea can improve productivity and save lives. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration attributes 2.2% of all traffic accident fatalities to drowsy driving.
