CDL Blood Pressure Limits: What You Need to Know for Certification

The blood pressure limit for a CDL is 140/90 mmHg or lower. If your blood pressure is higher, it doesn’t automatically disqualify you, but it may affect the duration of your certification or require additional steps.

• If your blood pressure is between 140-159/90-99 mmHg, you may still qualify for a 1-year medical certificate, provided your blood pressure is well-controlled.

• For readings between 160-179/100-109 mmHg, a 3-month medical certificate may be issued while you work on managing your blood pressure.

• If your blood pressure is 180/110 mmHg or higher, you’ll need to lower it and demonstrate it’s under control before qualifying for a CDL certification.

At Northeast Primary Care, we encourage all CDL holders to monitor and manage their blood pressure regularly. Uncontrolled hypertension can disqualify you from driving, but with regular checkups and adherence to your treatment plan, you can maintain both your health and your certification. Our experienced providers offer DOT medical exams, assist with the necessary paperwork, monitor and manage your blood pressure, and create personalized treatment plans to ensure you stay healthy and on the road.

At Northeast Primary Care, we understand that many of our patients rely on their Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for employment. A common concern among drivers is whether taking blood pressure medication will affect their ability to maintain or renew their CDL. Being on blood pressure medication does not automatically disqualify a CDL driver. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) allows drivers with controlled hypertension to pass the medical exam, as long as their blood pressure is effectively managed and meets the required limits of 140/90 mmHg or lower.

As long as the driver is following a treatment plan and their blood pressure is under control, they can still qualify for a CDL medical certificate. Drivers on blood pressure medication will need to provide documentation from their healthcare provider confirming their blood pressure is stable. The medical examiner will assess whether the condition poses any risk to the driver’s ability to operate a vehicle safely. Regular monitoring and adherence to the prescribed treatment plan are essential for maintaining CDL eligibility.

At Northeast Primary Care, we work closely with you to monitor and manage your blood pressure, making adjustments to your treatment plan as needed to ensure it stays within the required range for CDL certification. We provide documentation of your blood pressure control for your DOT medical exam and offer guidance on lifestyle changes and medication management to help you maintain healthy blood pressure levels. Our team is here to address any questions or concerns you may have about your medications and how they may impact your ability to drive safely, ensuring you are fully supported throughout the process.

At Northeast Primary Care, we understand the unique health needs of commercial drivers in our community. If a driver has controlled hypertension, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) typically requires them to renew their medical certificate every year. Controlled hypertension means that the driver’s blood pressure is well-managed with medication or lifestyle changes, and it is within the acceptable limits set by the FMCSA, usually 140/90 mmHg or lower. In these cases, the driver can generally maintain a valid medical certificate for one year, provided their blood pressure remains controlled and there are no other disqualifying medical conditions.

During the renewal process, the driver must undergo a medical examination by a certified medical examiner, who will assess their hypertension and overall health. If the driver’s blood pressure is well-controlled and they are not experiencing any complications, they should be able to continue driving with a renewed medical certificate. However, drivers with controlled hypertension need to maintain regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to ensure their condition remains stable and to prevent any issues that could impact their certification.

Our team at Northeast Primary Care is here to partner with you in managing your blood pressure and maintaining your commercial driver medical certification. We encourage you to follow your provider’s recommendations, take your medications as prescribed, and attend all scheduled medical evaluations. This not only helps you stay certified but also ensures your ongoing health and safety on the road.

At Northeast Primary Care, we understand how important it is for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders to maintain healthy blood pressure, especially during required medical exams. If your blood pressure is elevated just before your CDL exam, there are several steps you can take to help lower it:

• Stay Calm and Relax: Anxiety can increase blood pressure, so try to remain calm. Take deep breaths, practice relaxation techniques, and sit quietly for a few minutes before the exam.

• Reschedule the Exam if Necessary: If your blood pressure remains high after taking steps to relax, consider rescheduling the exam. It may be helpful to visit a healthcare provider to manage your blood pressure before attempting the exam again.

• Check for Potential Causes: Consider if factors like stress, caffeine, or lack of sleep are contributing to the increase. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before the exam, as they can raise blood pressure.

• Consult Your Doctor: If elevated blood pressure is a recurring issue, speak with your healthcare provider. They can help assess the situation, offer management strategies, and provide a treatment plan to help control your blood pressure over time.

By taking these steps, you can help ensure your blood pressure is within the required range for the CDL exam and maintain overall health. Even if your blood pressure stays elevated, you may still qualify for a temporary medical certificate. Our Northeast Primary Care team will discuss any follow-up steps and work with you to develop a plan for better blood pressure control—whether that means lifestyle changes, medication, or both. Managing your blood pressure is not only crucial for meeting CDL requirements but also for your long-term health and safety.

Dr Sharda Ramsaroop, MD, at Northeast Primary Care, with over 22 years of experience, is dedicated to supporting commercial drivers with blood pressure management to help them meet the medical requirements for obtaining and maintaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). With her extensive expertise in geriatric and general medicine, Dr Ramsaroop understands the challenges drivers face when managing blood pressure while maintaining their health and career.

At Northeast Primary Care, Dr Ramsaroop provides personalised care and guidance for drivers dealing with hypertension. She offers treatment options, lifestyle recommendations, and regular monitoring to help drivers manage their blood pressure effectively. Her goal is to ensure that drivers not only meet the CDL certification requirements but also maintain long-term health and wellness while on the road.

For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Mineola, NY, Melville, NY and Jericho, NY. We serve patients from Mineola NY, Melville NY, Jericho NY, Floral Park NY, East Meadow NY, Westbury NY, Huntington NY, Farmingdale NY, Commack NY, Plainview NY, Levittown NY, and surrounding areas.