Starting in May 2013 Ontario will be issuing many drivers in the province a new driver’s licence. As part of the US/Canada Medical Reciprocity Agreement for Commercial Drivers, Ontario will be using a the new “W” code indicating that this driver has a medical condition that under US rules make them ineligible to operate a commercial motor vehicle.
The medical conditions that disqualify you for driving in the US are;
- hearing impairment
- monocular vision
- insulin-dependent diabetes
- or epilepsy/seizure history
- or if you have failed to file a cyclical medical report and were downgraded to a class “D” as a result
Starting some time late in May 2013 the MTO will issue new licences to those drivers who qualify. On the front of your licence under the Rest/Cond field they will see a “W” as well on the back of your license you will see Comm Veh CA/Vehic.comm. CA,
If you see this you are unable to drive a commercial motor vehicle in the United States.
Drivers with enhanced driver’s licences will get their new licences sometime in June.
US Definition of a Commercial Motor Vehicle
- Has a gross combination weight rating of 11,794 or more kg or 26,001 or more pounds inclusive of a towed unit with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 4,536 kg or 10,000 pounds; or
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating of 11,794 or more kg or 26,001 pounds
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including driver
- Is of any size and is used in the transportation of materials found to be hazardous for the purposes of the Hazardous Materials Transportation Act and which require the motor vehicle to be placarded under the Hazardous Materials Regulations
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s physical qualifications (391.41) to operate a commercial motor vehicle click here
Click here for Ontario “W” code; What if I don’t have a medical condition?
You may contact the MTO for questions regarding the “W” code at 1-800-268-1481
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