What Are the DOT Blood Pressure Requirements for Commercial Drivers?

At Reliable MD, we understand how important your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is to your career. To keep you safely on the road, the Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all commercial drivers to meet specific blood pressure standards during their DOT physical exam. During your DOT physical at Reliable MD, our experienced healthcare providers will check your blood pressure as part of the certification process.

 Here’s what you need to know:

Normal Blood Pressure (<140/90 mm Hg):

Drivers with blood pressure readings below 140/90 mm Hg are considered within the normal range. You’ll typically receive a full two-year certification.

Stage 1 Hypertension (140/90 – 159/99 mm Hg):

If your blood pressure falls within this range, DOT guidelines allow for a one-year certification. At your next exam, you’ll need to show your blood pressure is controlled to maintain your certification.

Stage 2 Hypertension (160/100 – 179/109 mm Hg):

Readings in this range mean you may be eligible for a one-time, three-month certification. To extend your certification, you’ll need to bring your blood pressure below 140/90 mm Hg during this period.

Stage 3 Hypertension (180/110 mm Hg or higher):

At this level, you cannot be certified to drive until your blood pressure is lowered and controlled under 140/90 mm Hg. Once controlled, you may qualify for a six-month certification with careful monitoring.

Reliable MD is committed to helping you manage your blood pressure through personalized care, lifestyle guidance, and, if needed, medications. Keeping your blood pressure within DOT requirements is crucial to maintaining your CDL and your livelihood as a commercial driver.

At Reliable MD, we understand that maintaining your commercial driver’s license depends on meeting the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) strict medical standards—especially when it comes to blood pressure.

According to Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, commercial drivers must have a blood pressure reading of 140/90 mmHg or lower to pass the medical exam and maintain their commercial driver’s license (CDL). This guideline ensures that drivers are healthy enough to operate a commercial vehicle safely, reducing the risk of accidents caused by health issues.

If a driver’s blood pressure is above the 140/90 mmHg threshold, they may still be able to pass the DOT physical exam if their condition is well-controlled with medication or lifestyle changes. In such cases, drivers may need to provide medical documentation showing that their blood pressure is being managed effectively. Our goal at Reliable MD is to help you stay healthy, safe, and certified for duty. Whether you need a DOT physical, guidance on managing hypertension, or ongoing medical support, we’re committed to keeping you—and the roads—safe.

High blood pressure can affect your Department of Transportation (DOT) medical certification by potentially disqualifying you from passing the physical exam if it exceeds the DOT’s threshold of 140/90 mmHg. If your blood pressure is too high, it may signal a higher risk of cardiovascular issues, such as heart attacks or strokes, which can make it unsafe for you to operate a commercial vehicle.

In such cases, the DOT may require you to provide additional documentation or undergo further testing to demonstrate that your condition is controlled and poses no threat to your health or the safety of others on the road. If your blood pressure is elevated but under control through medication or lifestyle changes, you may still be eligible for certification, but the DOT may require regular monitoring or additional paperwork from your healthcare provider.

Uncontrolled or untreated high blood pressure can lead to disqualification from driving until it is properly managed. At Reliable MD, our team is dedicated to supporting you every step of the way by offering personalized recommendations, including lifestyle changes, medication options, and regular monitoring, to help you keep your blood pressure in check. If you have any concerns about your blood pressure or how it may affect your DOT certification, our experienced medical providers at Reliable MD are here to help. We’re committed to ensuring you stay healthy and continue working safely on the road.

If your blood pressure exceeds the DOT limits, it’s important to take immediate action to ensure that you can still maintain your commercial driver’s license.

Here are the steps you should take:

• Schedule a medical evaluation with a healthcare provider to assess your blood pressure and overall health.

• Follow a treatment plan that may include lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, reducing sodium intake, and managing stress.

• Take prescribed medications as directed to help bring your blood pressure under control.

• Monitor your blood pressure regularly to track progress and ensure it stays within DOT-approved limits.

• Obtain medical documentation showing that your blood pressure is being effectively managed, which may be required for DOT certification.

• Return for a follow-up DOT physical exam once your blood pressure is controlled to determine eligibility for certification.

• Maintain ongoing care with your provider to prevent future elevations that could affect your certification.

At Reliable MD, we are committed to supporting you throughout this process. Our experienced team will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan, monitor your progress, and help you meet DOT requirements.

If you’re worried about meeting the DOT blood pressure requirements, Dr. Carlos Levy is here to help! With extensive experience in performing DOT physical exams, Dr. Levy can assess your blood pressure and determine if you meet the necessary standards for maintaining your commercial driver’s license (CDL). If your blood pressure is elevated, Dr. Levy will work with you to create a tailored plan that may include lifestyle changes, medication management, and regular monitoring to bring your blood pressure under control.

Dr. Carlos Levy is committed to ensuring that drivers stay healthy and meet DOT requirements. If your blood pressure exceeds the 140/90 mmHg limit, he can provide guidance on how to manage and reduce your blood pressure, helping you maintain your certification. With Dr. Levy’s expert care and support, you can take the necessary steps to manage your health and continue your career as a commercial driver.

For more information, please contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 2801 Fruitville Rd Unit 140, Sarasota, FL 34237. We serve patients in Sarasota County on Fruitville Rd, which is close to Whitfield Ave, Bee Ridge Rd, Lockwood Ridge Rd, and beyond! We also provide telehealth services, serving the entire state of Florida.