Commercial vehicle while on medicaton

[greybeard]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Washington State. I drive a commercial vehicle. I take hydrocodone 10mg for back pain and have for 6 years. On my medication it states "Use caution when operating a car or heavy machinery". Is it legal for me to operate a semi and trailer or a dump truck?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?

 

[Some Random Guy]

From the DOT

U.S. Department of Transportation / Office of the Secretary of Transportation

Is there a list of prohibited drugs for being medically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV)?

Section 391.41(b)(12) states: A person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person does not use a controlled substance identified in 21 CFR 1308.11, Schedule I, an amphetamine, a narcotic, or any other habit-forming drug. Exception: A driver may use such a substance or drug, if the substance or drug is prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner who is familiar with the driver’s medical history and assigned duties; and has advised the driver that the prescribed substance or drug will not adversely affect the driver’s ability to safely operate a CMV. This exception does not apply to methadone.

Medical Examiners are required to give careful consideration to the effects of medications on a driver’s ability to operate a CMV safely before rendering the driver qualified.

For information on specific drugs and CMV driver qualification, please visit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's Medical Program website at: Medical Programs - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Questions about the effects of many drugs and driver qualification are answered in the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section. You may also e-mail your questions to the Physical Qualifications Division at [email protected] or call and ask for a Specialist on (202) 366-4001.