The Ontario Ministry of Transportation last month implemented a new driver’s license indicator for commercial drivers with certain medical conditions that disqualify them from driving in the United States. The indicator, “Code W”, goes into effect May 26.
A 1998 U.S.-Canadian reciprocity agreement tied to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) states that Canadian drivers who have diabetes and require insulin, have impaired vision, monocular vision or a history of seizures are not allowed to drive a commercial bus or truck south of the border. Both countries were required by 2000 to implement a “Code W” identifier for commercial driver licenses so motor carriers would ensure not to dispatch these drivers on U.S. trips.
However, the Ontario School Bus Association said provincial and state governments in both countries “dragged their feet” and failed to implement Code W. The Ontario Motor Coach Association wrote a letter to the Ministry of Transportation in 2009 that pointed out the decade-long delay and the continued vulnerability of commercial carriers if a disqualified driver is involved in a crash in the U.S., despite what other provinces may or may not do in response.
The Ministry agreeed and will required all Class A, B, C, D, E or F commercial drivers in Ontario who have one of the four disqualifying conditions to have the Code W placed on the licenses. These drivers, however, will be allowed to continue driving commercial vehicles in Canada.
Additionally, OSBA said that commercial drivers who have been downgraded to a Class D license because they have failed to file a cyclical medical report will also be issued a Code W. Class D drivers will be required to file a medical report after being downgraded in order to drive in the U.S., in accordance with the Canada/U.S. Medical Reciprocity Agreement for Commercial Drivers.
As of April 1, all commercial drivers who fail to file their cyclical medical will also be downgraded to a Class G. OSBA added that these drivers will need to file a medical in order to upgrade their driver’s licence.
