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Windshields, Medical Cards, and OOS Criteria Changes

April 24th, 2014

Windshields.  If you do not have a clear view of the road you are at higher risk for accidents.   Therefore the federal regulations require that windshields be in good condition and free from obstructions.   Last year over 85,000 commercial drivers were cited for windshield-related violations, including damage, obstructions, and improper tinting.   The following rules apply:

  1. Damage – make sure that there is no damage in the “critical” area :
  • Area that is more than 2” from the top of the windshield.
  • Area that is more than 1” from each side.
  • Area that is above the steering wheel.
  • Two or more cracks that intersect.
  • Any damage that is greater than ¾”.
  1. Obstructions – The “critical” area must be free of obstructions. Do not mount transponders, antennas, GPS, etc.
  • More than 6” below the upper edge of the windshield;
  • Within the area swept by the wipers; or
  • Within your sight lines to the road, traffic signs, or signals.
  1. Tinting – Federal regulations say windshields and side windows can be tinted as long as they allow at least 70% of normal light to pass through. Some state laws have stricter restrictions.
  2. Clean – You can be cited for not having clean windshields.  Take the time to clean the inside and outside of your windshield, windows and mirrors.

 

Medical Cards.  The FMCSA announced that CDL holders will have to continue carrying their paper medical certificates until 30 Jan 2015.  This one year extension is giving states time to develop a process to gather medical information and link it to the CDL.  The following are the current recordkeeping requirements related to CDLs, permits, and medical cards:

  • Interstate Drivers must carry their paper medical cards until 30 Jan 2015.
  • Intrastate Commercial  Learners Permit (CLP) holders must carry their paper medical cards until 8 Jul 2015.
  • Interstate CDL/CLP holders must submit each new medical card to the state licensing agency, preferably within 5 days of receipt.
  • The CDL holder is responsible (not the carrier) to submit their medical information to the state licensing authority.

OOS Criteria Changes.  The North American Standard OOS Criteria has changed slightly.   The changes took effect on 1 Apr 2014.  Some of the changes are:

  • Commercial drivers who’s CDLs were suspended by states (other than the licensing states) will not be placed OOS unless the reason for the suspension was safety related.
  • Medical cards that are found to be fraudulent will result in the driver being placed OOS.
  • Missing clevis pin retainers on drum and disc breaks will result in the vehicle being placed OOS.
  • Cracked, loose, corroded, or broken cross tube brace (used for shipment and installation) is not a violation.
  • Missing rubber bushings on any part of a suspension connecting rod or tracking component assembly is an OOS condition.  Also, if a bushing is worn to the extent that an officer can move the component by hand, the vehicle will be placed OOS.
  • The term “torque rod” was changed to the more correct term “suspension connecting rod”.