Warning: Laws are subject to change without notice. Submit your questions to www.askthelaw.org<\/a><\/p>\n TEAM MEMBER RECEIVES A PROMOTION<\/strong><\/p>\n Ol\u2019 Blue, USA and 10-4 Magazine would like to congratulate our longtime contributor to the \u201cAsk The Law\u201d column, Officer Jaime Nunez, on his recent promotion to Sergeant, California Highway Patrol. We wish Sgt. Nunez the very best in his new supervisory role and look forward to continuing our collaborative efforts to promote commercial vehicle safety on our nation\u2019s highways. Congratulations Sgt. Nunez!<\/p>\n SUN VISOR REQUIREMENTS FOR A CMV<\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Is not having a driver sun visor in a commercial truck illegal or a violation on a Class-B or Class-A licensed truck? Thank you \u2013 Michael in Florida<\/p>\n A: Provided by Sgt. Pete Camm (Ret.)<\/a>, California Highway Patrol, Sacramento, CA:<\/strong> Other than construction requirements for sun visors contained in Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), Part 571.201 (Occupant Protection), a regulation stating sun visors must remain in any vehicle does not appear to exist in federal regulations. Also, 49 CFR, Part 393 (Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation) is silent concerning sun visors. Interesting information: while no federal violation seems to exist for having something in the window shield (i.e., sun shade, towel) which obstructs a driver\u2019s view, the FMCSA appears to track state violations of obstructed view using non-existent 49 CFR, Part 392.9(a)(3). 49 CFR, Part 393.60(e), \u201cProhibition on Obstructions to the Driver\u2019s Point of View,\u201d only refers to antennas, transponders or other similar devices and safety stickers. So, whether or not a sun visor is required, or required to be maintained, may be a state law in which you are traveling.<\/p>\n DOT MEDICAL CERTIFICATE REQUIREMENTS<\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> I am now working for a small company part-time. I take two or three trips a month that are no more than 150 miles a trip. Some months I don\u2019t have any. Do I need a DOT Physical? Thank you \u2013 Richard in Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n A: Provided by Senior Trooper Monty Dial (Ret.)<\/a>, Texas Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Garland, TX: <\/strong> Anytime the driver operates in Interstate Commerce, the driver is required to have a valid DOT Medical Certificate, regardless of the length of the trip. There is an exemption in PA that drivers who operate in Intrastate Commerce can take advantage of, but the driver needs to be regularly employed by the motor carrier as of 9\/23\/1995. With you only working part-time for the motor carrier you would not be eligible to take advantage of that exemption. So, a DOT Medical Certificate would be required to operate a commercial motor vehicle.<\/p>\n SAFETY PLACARDS ON A CMV<\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> I would like to know if there is a fine if a placard gets wet or blows off the trailer and then you go through a scale and an officer sees that one placard is missing? I can\u2019t find information about this. Thank you \u2013 Bruce in California<\/p>\n
\nThese interpretations were made on May 15, 2017.<\/span><\/p>\nBrought to you as a public service by Ol\u2019 Blue, USA and 10-4.<\/h4>\n