Transportation and Public Works

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Commercial Drivers Sept. 17, 2004

September 17, 2004 Commercial drivers under medical reporting program

The Department of Transportation and Public Works announced Wednesday the launch of a new medical reporting system for all commercial drivers on Prince Edward Island. Among the highlights of the new program is the implementation of new medical standards for commercial vehicle drivers (Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 licenses). This new medical reporting system is the current North American Standard that jurisdictions rely upon in determining whether a person is medically fit to operate a commercial motor vehicle. "The safety of everyone on the roads is very important so we need to ensure that our medical standards meet other national and international standards on an ongoing basis," said Transportation Minister Gail Shea in announcing the program. "This new medical reporting system not only has safety benefits for the travelling public also economic benefits for the trucking industry by having Island driver's license universally recognized throughout North America." Under the new medical reporting system adopted, all holders of Class 1, 2, 3 and 4 driver's licenses will be required to have a medical certificate completed by their family physicians. By doing so will reduce the paperwork burden to commercial vehicle operators travelling between jurisdictions across North America. Current holders of commercial driver's license are being contacted by the department to advise of the changes. This new medical reporting system is the latest evolution in efforts by governments across North America to develop and strengthen common regulatory standards to improve both safety and the flow of trade. The new system builds upon existing safety standards and will be phased in by license-holders being the first brought under the new system and additional classes being added in the future. It will take approximately 3 or 4 years to fully implement for all commercial drivers. The frequency and time intervals at which commercial drivers will have to file a medical certificate are as follows: under the age of 45 a medical exam is required every 5 years between the ages of 45 and 65 a medical exam is required every 3 years over the age of 65 a medical exam is required every year.