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Hypertension & Drivers


In the fast-paced world of trucking, ensuring the safety and health of drivers is paramount. One significant health concern affecting many in the industry is hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure. While a hypertension diagnosis doesn't automatically disqualify drivers from operating their vehicles, it necessitates stricter health monitoring and adherence to specific regulations regarding their medical certification. Understanding these guidelines is crucial for both drivers and their employers, especially when it comes to maintaining qualifications through regular DOT physical examinations. In this blog post, we will delve into the specifics of hypertension among truck drivers, the stages of certification, and practical tips for managing this common condition.

​​​In this issue:​​

  • Stages of Hypertension.
  • CVSA Brake Safety Week Scheduled for August 24-30.
  • Registration is open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Fall Safety Seminar!

Read, share, and/or print this week's Safety Bulletin.​​​​
Check out past Idealease Safety Bulletins.​​​​

According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 26% of truck drivers are affected by hypertension. Although having high blood pressure does not necessarily disqualify a driver, it obligates them to implement measures to reduce their blood pressure and to undergo more regular DOT physical examinations to keep their certification active.

Question:

I sent my driver for a DOT physical, and the doctor provided a three-month certification due to hypertension. Can my driver continue to remain qualified by visiting the physician every three months and getting a new medical certificate each time?

Answer: No.

The initial three-month certification for hypertension is considered a one-time temporary certification. Hypertension is classified into four stages based on the driver’s systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure readings. After three months, the driver must demonstrate an improvement in their blood pressure to meet the necessary standards and secure a longer-term medical certificate.

Stages of Hypertension

Stage 0

  • Blood Pressure: Systolic 139 or less and/or diastolic 89 or less
  • Certification Period: 2 years
  • Notes: Standard biannual DOT physical

Stage 1

  • Blood Pressure: Systolic 140–159 and/or diastolic 90–99
  • Certification Period: 1 year
  • Notes:
    • If, at recertification, the driver’s blood pressure is 140/90 or lower, they may be certified for another year. If the blood pressure is higher than 140/90 but lower than 160/100, the driver will receive a one-time, three-month certificate to reduce their blood pressure.

Stage 2

  • Blood Pressure: Systolic 160–179 and/or diastolic 100–109
  • Certification Period: One-time, 3-month certificate
  • Notes:
    • The driver must undergo treatment for hypertension.
    • After three months, if their blood pressure is reduced to 140/90 or below, they will receive a one-year certificate and must be recertified annually.

Stage 3

  • Blood Pressure: Systolic equal to or greater than 180 and/or diastolic equal to or greater than 110
  • Certification Period: Not qualified
  • Notes:
    • The driver cannot be certified until their blood pressure is lowered to 140/90 or less. Once controlled, recertification occurs every six months.

Important Notes:

Once diagnosed with hypertension, certification periods are shorter:

  • Stage 1 & 2 drivers must be recertified annually.
  • Stage 3 drivers must be recertified every six months.

According to the regulations in 391.43, if a driver has hypertension or is on medication for it, recertification must be done more frequently.

Disqualification Guidance:

  • Drivers with blood pressure readings higher than 180/110 are disqualified until their blood pressure is managed. This disqualification is not permanent; once blood pressure is controlled, drivers may reapply for certification.

How Can You Help Control Hypertension?

Healthy Diet:

Include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy. Increase potassium intake while reducing saturated fat, trans fat, and sodium.

Maintain a healthy weight:

Even a 5-pound weight loss can help reduce blood pressure.

Increase physical activity:

Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

Limit alcohol:

Keep consumption to no more than one drink per day for women and two for men.

Avoid Smoking:

Tobacco can harm blood vessels and hasten artery hardening. Seek help from your doctor to quit.

Manage stress:

Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and ensure adequate sleep.

CVSA Brake Safety Week is Scheduled for August 24-30

This year, Brake Safety Week is set to take place from August 24 to 30, as announced by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA). This enforcement campaign is a part of Brake Safety Awareness Month, which is observed throughout August.

During this annual enforcement event by the CVSA, roadside inspectors will be conducting North American Standard Inspections, focusing specifically on brake systems and components. This year, there will be increased attention on brake drums and rotors.

Following the event, the CVSA will publish a report detailing its findings later in the year. Brake Safety Week also presents a valuable opportunity for motor carriers to inform their drivers and maintenance service providers about the crucial importance of brake safety.

Registration is now open online for the 2025 Idealease/NPTC Spring Safety Seminars!

Idealease and the National Private Truck Council NPTC will again be hosting safety seminars in the spring and fall of 2025. The one-day seminar this year will focus on basic safety and compliance, regulation changes and CSA. The seminars and will be provided to all Idealease customers, potential customers and NPTC members at no charge. The seminar provides important information applicable for both the novice and experienced transportation professionals.

Upcoming Fall Seminars:

  • 9/16/2025 - Weirton, WV
  • 9/30/2025- Knoxville, TN
  • 10/21/2025 - Los Angeles, CA
  • 10/23/2025 - Baltimore, MD

To register for an upcoming fall seminar in 2025, click on the following link: Safety Seminar Registration

*The Idealease Safety Bulletin is provided for Idealease locations and their customers and is not to be construed as a complete or exhaustive source of compliance or safety information. The Idealease Safety Bulletin is advisory in nature and does not warrant, guarantee, or otherwise certify compliance with laws, regulations, requirements, or guidelines of any local, state, or Federal agency and/or governing body, or industry standards.




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