Under Massachusetts law, a DOT medical certificate is required when driving vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) over 10,000 pounds. Departments with such vehicles provide the names of employees designated to operate those vehicles to the Office of Environmental Health & Safety (EH&S). EH&S makes appointments with a medical provider and forward the appointment times to the department for scheduling with the driver. A copy of the medical certificate for each driver is kept by EH&S, with the exception of Public Safety and Service who maintain files for Fleet drivers, to document compliance. (See DOT Medical Certificate)
The Department of Transportation (DOT) Motor Carrier Safety regulations, 49 CFR Part 382, and Massachusetts regulations 540 CMR 14.00, by reference to the federal regulations, require that drivers of vehicles requiring a commercial driver’s license participate in a controlled substance and alcohol testing program. This includes drivers of vehicles (1) with a gross weight or combination weight of 26,001 pounds or more, (2) designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver, or (3) which are used to transport hazardous materials requiring a placard. This testing program is administered by EH&S. Departments with such vehicles provide the names of employees designated to operate those vehicles to EH&S.
Requirements for driving other Fleet vehicles are established by the Public Safety and Service Department. For more information, see the Fleet Office web site.
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