2010 BC Guide in Determining Fitness to Drive

Appendix 6:The Relationship between BC Driver Fitness Policyand Policy in Other JurisdictionsThe relationship between BC driver fitness policy and the CanadianCouncil of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) Medical Standardsfor DriversAll Canadian provinces and territories have the authority to establish theirown driver fitness policies. In order to support a consistent approach todriver fitness across the country, CCMTA publishes the MedicalStandards for Drivers (formerly called the National Safety Code).The CCMTA Medical Standards are developed by medical advisors andadministrators from Canadian provincial driver licensing bodies. Thestandards are intended as a guide in establishing basic minimum medicalqualifications to drive for both private and commercial drivers and areintended for use by both physicians and regulators.Although no jurisdiction in Canada is required to adopt the CCMTAMedical Standards, the majority are adopted by the provincial andterritorial motor vehicle licensing departments. This achieves a uniformityof standards across Canada.The relationship between BC driver fitness policy for commercial drivers,the CCMTA Medical Standards and the North American Free TradeAgreementUnder the North American Free Trade Agreement, the United States andCanada reached agreement on reciprocity of the medical fitnessrequirements for drivers of commercial motor vehicles effective March 30,1999. The countries determined that the medical provisions of U.S.Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) and - what was then- the Canadian National Safety Code (NSC) are equivalent.The exception however is that Canadian drivers who are insulin-treateddiabetics, who are hearing-impaired, or who have epilepsy are not bepermitted to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the UnitedStates. U.S. regulations prohibit individuals with those conditions fromoperating CMVs in the United States. They are allowed to drivecommercial vehicles in Canada.Because the reciprocal agreement between the United States and Canadaidentifies the CCMTA Medical Standards as the standard for commercial388