Insulin-dependent driver break

Drivers who use insulin to control their diabetes no longer need three years of experience operating a commercial motor vehicle while being treated with insulin to be eligible for FMCSA's diabetes exemption program.

In a “notice of revised final disposition,” published in the Federal Register November 8, 2005 (Docket No. FMCSA-2001-9800), FMCSA revised the criteria for diabetes exemption for commercial drivers operating in interstate commerce.

The revision establishes a “specified minimum period of insulin use to demonstrate stable control of diabetes before being allowed to operate a CMV.”

The changes are effective immediately.

Drivers can request exemption applications by phone (703-448-3094), fax (703-448-3077), or mail: Federal Diabetes Exemption Program, Office of Bus & Truck Standards & Operations, FMCSA, 400 Seventh St. SW, Washington DC 20590-0001.

The revisions, which were mandated by Congress this summer as part of the latest Highway Bill, will remain in effect until FMCSA completes a rulemaking to change the section of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that applies to drivers with insulin-dependent diabetes.