Lawmakers seeks to address medical certification and weight restrictions in North Dakota

North Dakota recently set into motion two bills that address trucking issues in the region. One proposal covers medical certification requirement while the other is geared toward excess size or weight, Land Line Magazine reports.

The House unanimously endorsed both bills that will now advance to the Governor Jack Dalrymple's desk for signature. If passed, the state would become compliant under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) 2012 medical certification requirements.

Furthermore, truckers who run interstate trips and are self-certified would be limited to intrastate operations only. Meanwhile, CDL holders operating interstate must submit a copy of their medical certificate to the state Department of Transportation (DOT).

The other bill will authorize a regional permit system on excess size or weight vehicles. This measure will allow the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the state's DOT the ability to reach agreements with other states about regional operations or movement of "nondivisible oversize or overweight vehicles."

The FMCSA reports that more than 3 million driver inspections occurred in the U.S. in 2010. Furthermore, more than 2 million vehicles took part in a roadside inspection.

By Andie Martin

Lawmakers seeks to address medical certification and weight restrictions in North Dakota

Friday, March 25th, 2011