Question
Is it legal to drive a commercial vehicle while taking "Methadone"? I know someone who is currently taking this drug. It seems that something this strong used to curb herion addiction and other narcotics would be illegal. Just wondering.
Peacekeeper
Answer
Peacekeeper,
Methadone is a synthetic opiate. The prescibing physician must make a written statement indicating that this medication will NOT interfere with this driver's ability to safely operate a CMV. That Dr. must sign his name to that statement. No self respecting MD would risk his practice that way. At least I hope not. That medication would also be a disqualifier on the DOT physical exam.
Even if, by chance, some fool would write that statement and then medically certify that driver, no insurance company would allow that driver behind the wheel of a CMV.
If the company is aware of this and has hidden it from the insurance carrier, they may get away with it for awhile until which time that driver is involved in an accident, or the DOT audits the company, or the DOT requests the MIS reports for the previous year for that company.
If you need regulations for reference read 392.4 (a).
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
Visit us at www.Truck.net/abmsVisit us at
Answer
Thank you for your time Red!
Peacekeeper
Answer
This not a drug used to curb addition. It is an addictive opiate no different from heroin except for the fact it has a long half-life and can be legally prescribed. A person using methadone is a drug addict. Period. He is not a "person under treatment". He does not belong behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle.
This is not an opinion based upon cultural distaste for addicts. Opiates affect reaction time, situational awareness, judgement, depth perception, and a thousand other things that tend, among other things to significantly reduce reaction time.
[This message has been edited by newyorktwo (edited March 14, 2000).]
Answer
Hey NY 2! Glad to see you back.
You are right. I used a poor choice of words when I said it was for treatment of addiction.
Methadone is considered safer because it comes in oral forms vs. injections eliminating concerns about needles and the intensity of the high is not as profound as with heroin use. I have always felt that this was a poor plan because they are essentially trading the devil for the witch.
And the side effects are exactly as you stated. Which is why no self respecting physician would qualify a driver on Methadone or dare say that it would not affect their ability to drive a CMV.
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Keeping you safe, healthy, and on the road.
Nurse Red
Visit us at www.Truck.net/abmsVisit us at