The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that 26% of truck drivers have hypertension. While high blood pressure doesn’t automatically disqualify a driver, it does require them to take steps to lower their blood pressure and undergo more frequent DOT physicals to maintain certification.

Question:

I sent my driver for a DOT physical, and the doctor issued a three-month certification due to hypertension. Can my driver continue to stay qualified by visiting the physician every three months and receiving a new medical certificate each time?

Answer:

No.

The three-month certification for hypertension is a one-time temporary certification.

Hypertension, as defined by the regulations, is categorized into four stages, depending on the driver’s systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure readings. After the initial three-month certification, the driver must demonstrate that their blood pressure has improved to meet the required standards in order to obtain a longer-term medical certification.

Stages of Hypertension

Stage 0

  • Blood Pressure: Systolic 139 or less and/or diastolic 89 or less

  • Certification Period: 2 years

    blood pressure

  • Notes: Standard biannual DOT physical

Stage 1

  • Blood Pressure: Systolic 140–159 and/or diastolic 90–99

  • Certification Period: 1 year

  • Notes:

    • If, at re-certification, the driver’s blood pressure is equal to or less than 140/90, they may be certified again for one year.

    • If the blood pressure is greater than 140/90 but less than 160/100, the driver will be issued a one-time, three-month certificate to lower their blood pressure.

Stage 2

  • Blood Pressure: Systolic 160–179 and/or diastolic 100–109

  • Certification Period: One-time, 3-month certificate

  • Notes:

    • The driver must be treated for hypertension.

    • If, after three months, the blood pressure is reduced to 140/90 or less, a one-year certificate is issued, followed by annual recertification.

Stage 3

  • Blood Pressure: Systolic equal to or greater than 180 and/or diastolic equal to or greater than 110

  • Certification Period: Not qualified

  • Notes:

    • The driver cannot be certified until the blood pressure is reduced to 140/90 or less.

    • Once under control, the driver will be recertified every six months.

Important Notes:

Once a driver has been diagnosed with hypertension, the certification periods are shorter:

  • Stage 1 & 2 drivers must be recertified annually.

  • Stage 3 drivers must be recertified every six months.

The regulations outlined in 391.43 specifically state that if a driver has hypertension or is being treated with medication, they must be recertified more frequently.

Stage of Hypertension Blood Pressure Certification Period Notes
Stage 0 ≤ 140/90 2 years Biannual DOT physical
Stage 1 140–159 / 90–99 1 year Annual DOT physical
Stage 2 160–179 / 100–109 3 months (one-time) Can receive a 1-year cert if BP is below 140/90 within 3 months
Stage 3 > 180 / 110 Not qualified

May be certified at 6-month intervals once BP is below 140/90

Disqualification Guidance:

  • Drivers with blood pressure greater than 180/110 are disqualified until their blood pressure is controlled.

  • This disqualification is not permanent—once your blood pressure is lowered, you may reapply for certification.

How Can You Help Control Hypertension?

  • Eat healthy foods:

    Follow a balanced diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Increase potassium intake and reduce saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium.

    healthy foods

  • Maintain a healthy weight:

    Losing even 5 pounds can help lower your blood pressure.

  • Increase physical activity:

    Aim for at least 30 minutes of activity each day.

  • Limit alcohol:

    Even if you are healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure. Limit yourself to no more than one drink a day for women and two a day for men.

  • Don’t smoke:

    Tobacco damages blood vessels and accelerates hardening of the arteries. Ask your doctor for help quitting.

  • Manage stress:

    Practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing or muscle relaxation, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep.

CVSA Brake Safety Week Scheduled for August 24-30

CVSA

This year’s Brake Safety Week is scheduled for August 24–30, according to the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA).

The enforcement campaign is part of Brake Safety Awareness Month, which takes place throughout August.

During CVSA’s annual enforcement event, roadside inspectors will:

  • Conduct North American Standard Inspections with a focus on brake systems and components.

  • Pay special attention this year to brake drums and rotors.

The CVSA will issue a report on its findings later this year.

Brake Safety Week also serves as an important opportunity for motor carriers to educate their drivers and maintenance service providers on the critical importance of brake safety.