Understanding the Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), FMCSA Violation Code: 383.71(h)

The Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC), also known as the DOT Medical Card, is a document that certifies a commercial driver’s physical qualification to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. This certification is mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of both the driver and the public.

Table of Contents

Validity of the MEC

Standard Validity: The MEC is typically valid for up to 24 months (2 years).
Shorter Validity Periods: If a driver has certain medical conditions (e.g., hypertension, diabetes, sleep apnea), the medical examiner may issue a certificate valid for less than 2 years to monitor the condition more closely.

Updating the MEC with State DOTs

To maintain a valid CDL, drivers must ensure their MEC is current and submitted to their respective State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA).

General Steps:

Obtain a New MEC: Visit a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners to complete a new physical examination and obtain the MEC (Form MCSA-5876).
Submit to SDLA: Provide the updated MEC to your state’s DOT through the available submission methods (online, mail, fax, or in-person).
Timely Submission: Submit the new MEC before the current one expires to avoid CDL disqualification or downgrade

Submission Methods by State

Below is a table detailing the submission methods for the top 10 states with the highest number of CDL holders:

State	Online Submission	Mailing Address	Email	Fax
Texas	Not specified	Texas DPS, Attn: CDL Section, P.O. Box 4087, Austin, TX 78773-0320	CDLMedCert@dps.texas.gov	512-424-2002
California	Submit Online	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Florida	Submit Online	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Pennsylvania	Not specified	PennDOT, Bureau of Driver Licensing, P.O. Box 69008, Harrisburg, PA 17106-9008	CDLmedscert@pa.gov	717-783-5429
New York	Not specified	Medical Certification Unit, PO Box 2601, Albany, NY 12220-0601	dmv.sm.cdlmedcertunit@dmv.ny.gov	518-486-4421
Ohio	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Illinois	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
Georgia	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified	Not specified
North Carolina	Not specified	NCDMV, Data Capture Imaging Unit, 3126 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-3126	CDLmedical@ncdot.gov	Not specified
Michigan	Submit Online	Michigan Department of State, CDL Help Desk, 7064 Crowner Drive, Lansing, MI 48918	Not specified	517-636-4359

Note: For states where specific submission methods are not specified, please consult the respective state’s DOT website or contact them directly for detailed instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What happens if I don’t submit my updated MEC on time?

Failing to submit an updated MEC before the expiration date can result in the downgrade of your CDL to a non-commercial license, and you may be disqualified from operating a CMV until the certificate is updated.

Can I submit my MEC online in all states?

Not all states offer online submission. It’s essential to check with your state’s DOT for available submission methods.

Do I need to carry a copy of my MEC while driving?

Yes, drivers are required to carry a copy of their current MEC while operating a CMV.

How can I find a certified medical examiner?

Use the FMCSA National Registry to locate certified medical examiners in your area.

What if my MEC is valid for less than 2 years?

If your MEC is issued for less than 2 years due to a medical condition, ensure you undergo the required follow-up examinations and submit updated certificates as needed to maintain your CDL status.

FMCSA Violation Code: 383.71(h) — What It Means

Description: Failure to maintain or provide a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (MEC) as required under 49 CFR § 383.71(H).

What the Regulation Covers:

§ 383.71(h) outlines that all interstate CDL drivers must be medically certified and submit a valid MEC to their State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA).
States are required to downgrade a CDL if the medical certification expires or is not submitted.

What Happens If You’re in Violation:

Screengrab of Inspection ticket where driver was given violation 383.71(H)

If a driver fails to comply with this requirement, the following consequences may apply:

CDL Downgrade: Your commercial driving privileges can be downgraded to a non-commercial class license.
Out-of-Service Orders (OOS): You may be placed out of service during inspections if you do not have a valid MEC.
Fines & Penalties: Employers and drivers can be fined for operating without proper medical certification.
Impact on Employment: Driving without valid certification may affect your job status or insurance.

Real-World Examples of 383.71(H) Violations:

Scenario	Violation Outcome
Driver forgets to submit updated MEC	CDL is downgraded; driver must requalify
Medical card expired a month ago, still driving	Driver placed out of service during inspection
Company fails to check MEC status of its drivers	Carrier may be fined or face CSA score penalties

How to Avoid 383.71(H) Violations:

Track your MEC expiration date and renew your medical exam ahead of time.
Submit the updated MEC to your SDLA promptly (at least 10 days before expiry).
Confirm receipt with your state DMV—some offer email or online verification.
Carry your physical MEC card while driving in case of roadside inspections.

Read Full Text of 49 CFR § 383.71(H) on Federal database.

Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance. Always consult your state’s DOT for the most current and accurate procedures.

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