During your Department of Transportation (DOT) Physical Exam, your Certified Medical Examiner with measure and record your blood pressure (BP) at least twice.
A Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) driver with a BP less than 140/90 can be certified for 2 years, if there are no other disqualifying health conditions or specific medications they are prescribed.
Elevated BP Stages & Certification Periods:
Stage 1 - BP 140-159/90-99
Certification Period: 1 year
Stage 2 - BP 160-179/100-109
Certification Period: 3 months as one time certification.
Within the 3 months, if the BP is below 140/90, the driver may receive a 1 year certification.
Stage 3 - BP Reading >180/110
Disqualified
You will have to stop driving your CMV until your BP is equal to or less than 140/90 during a new DOT exam.
The driver can only be certified at 6 month intervals for rest of their driving career.
Treatment for high blood pressure usually includes both medications and lifestyle changes.