What does 49 CFR 391.44 (Physical qualification standards for an individual who does not satisfy, with the worse eye, either the distant visual acuity standard with corrective lenses or the field of vision standard, or both) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 391.44 requires an individual who does not satisfy the distant visual acuity or field of vision standard, or both, in one eye to meet alternative physical qualification standards to operate a commercial motor vehicle. The individual must have a vision evaluation by an ophthalmologist or optometrist and a medical examination by a medical examiner.

The rule says

"A person subject to this part must not operate a commercial motor vehicle unless he or she is medically certified as physically qualified to do so, and, except as provided in paragraph (a)(2) of this section, when on-duty has on his or her person the original, or a copy, of a current medical examiner's certificate that he or she is physically qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle." (49 CFR 391.41(a)(1)(i))

"Has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70 in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing standard red, green, and amber" (49 CFR 391.41(b)(10)(i))

"An individual who does not satisfy, with the worse eye, either the distant visual acuity standard with corrective lenses or the field of vision standard, or both, in 391.41(b)(10)(i) is physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce provided: (1) The individual meets the other physical qualification standards in 391.41 or has an exemption or skill performance evaluation certificate, if required; and (2) The individual has the vision evaluation required by paragraph (b) of this section and the medical examination required by paragraph (c) of this section." (49 CFR 391.44(a))

In plain English

This regulation provides an alternative path for individuals who do not meet the standard vision requirements to still qualify to drive a commercial motor vehicle. They must undergo a vision evaluation by an eye specialist and a medical exam by a certified medical examiner. The medical examiner will consider the results of the vision evaluation and determine if the individual can safely operate a commercial vehicle. This process ensures that individuals with vision impairments are still able to drive commercially if they can demonstrate their ability to do so safely.

What to do

• Ensure the individual meets the other physical qualification standards in 49 CFR 391.41.
• Arrange for a vision evaluation by a licensed ophthalmologist or optometrist.
• Schedule a medical examination by a certified medical examiner.
• Provide the medical examiner with the completed Vision Evaluation Report.