Medically reviewed by Dr. Alan M. Tebby, D.C., FMCSA Certified Medical Examiner | Last updated: January 27, 2026
Arthritis does not automatically disqualify you from DOT certification. The key factor is whether your arthritis limits your ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle. Most drivers with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis can be certified if they maintain adequate joint mobility and don’t require disqualifying pain medications. Your medical examiner will assess your functional capacity during the physical examination.
At Charlotte DOT Exam Center, our FMCSA-certified examiners have extensive experience evaluating this condition.
📞 Call 704-544-3494 | 💰 $70 flat rate | 🚶 Walk-ins welcome
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions among commercial drivers, particularly those with years of experience. The repetitive motions of driving, loading, and unloading can contribute to joint wear over time. Fortunately, most forms of arthritis don’t prevent DOT certification.
The FMCSA evaluates arthritis based on functional impact rather than diagnosis alone. Can you grip the steering wheel adequately? Can you operate pedals smoothly? Can you perform required safety functions? If the answer is yes, certification is typically possible.
At Charlotte DOT Exam Center, our examiners—including Dr. Tebby, who has chiropractic expertise in musculoskeletal conditions—understand how to evaluate arthritis in commercial drivers. We assess your actual functional abilities, not just your diagnosis.
Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition causing cartilage breakdown, pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It commonly affects knees, hips, hands, and spine. For commercial drivers, the concern is whether joint limitations affect safe vehicle operation.
Over 32 million Americans have osteoarthritis, making it the most common form of arthritis. Prevalence increases with age, and many long-haul drivers develop some degree of arthritis during their careers. Most continue driving safely with proper management.
The FMCSA physical qualification standards are found in FMCSA Physical Qualifications. According to the CDC Arthritis Information, arthritis affects many Americans, including commercial drivers.
The FMCSA evaluates arthritis based on functional capacity—your ability to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle. Key factors the medical examiner considers include:
For additional information, see the Arthritis Foundation – Osteoarthritis and NIH Osteoarthritis Information.
Commercial drivers with arthritis often have similar questions. Here are the most common questions we answer at Charlotte DOT Exam Center:
Yes, most drivers with arthritis can obtain CDL certification. The determining factor is your functional ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle, not the arthritis diagnosis itself. If you can grip, steer, operate pedals, and perform safety functions, certification is typically possible.
Your medical examiner will assess joint range of motion, grip strength, ability to operate controls, and overall mobility. They may ask you to demonstrate specific movements like gripping, turning, or stepping up into a cab.
Most arthritis medications are compatible with commercial driving. NSAIDs (ibuprofen, naproxen), acetaminophen, and topical treatments are acceptable. However, opioid pain medications and muscle relaxants that cause sedation are generally disqualifying.
Mild-to-moderate arthritis with good functional capacity typically receives standard 2-year certification. Severe or progressive arthritis may receive 1-year certification to monitor functional changes over time.
Progressive arthritis requires ongoing evaluation. If your condition significantly worsens between certifications, you should be re-evaluated. Maintaining treatment and joint mobility supports continued certification.
Yes, after full recovery from joint replacement surgery. Most drivers can return to commercial driving 3-6 months post-surgery with surgeon clearance. The replacement often improves function compared to severe arthritis.
For mild arthritis, your primary care physician’s records are usually sufficient. Moderate-to-severe cases may benefit from rheumatologist or orthopedic documentation confirming your functional capacity.
Hand arthritis is evaluated based on grip strength and dexterity. You must be able to grip the steering wheel firmly and operate controls. Hand exercises and proper treatment often maintain adequate function.
Understanding which medications are compatible with commercial driving helps you prepare for your DOT physical and communicate effectively with your medical examiner.
| Medication Category | Common Examples | CDL Compatible? |
|---|---|---|
| NSAIDs | Ibuprofen (Advil), Naproxen (Aleve), Celecoxib (Celebrex) | ✅ Yes |
| Acetaminophen | Tylenol | ✅ Yes |
| Topical Treatments | Voltaren gel, capsaicin cream, lidocaine patches | ✅ Yes |
| Corticosteroid Injections | Joint injections (cortisone) | ✅ Yes |
| DMARDs | Methotrexate, sulfasalazine (for inflammatory arthritis) | ✅ Yes (with documentation) |
| Muscle Relaxants | Cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril), methocarbamol | ⚠️ May disqualify if sedating |
| Opioid Pain Medications | Hydrocodone, oxycodone, tramadol | ❌ Generally not permitted |
| Hyaluronic Acid Injections | Synvisc, Euflexxa | ✅ Yes |
✅ = Compatible | ⚠️ = Requires evaluation | ❌ = Not compatible while driving
Your DOT medical certificate duration depends on your condition’s status, treatment effectiveness, and documentation provided:
| Severity Level | Characteristics | Typical Certificate | Documentation Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mild | Occasional stiffness, minimal functional impact | 2 years | Medication list |
| Moderate | Daily symptoms, some activity modification | 1-2 years | Treatment records |
| Severe | Significant joint damage, functional limitations | 1 year | Specialist documentation |
| Post-joint replacement | After surgical recovery | 1-2 years | Surgeon clearance required |
| Situation | Typical Wait | Documentation Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Joint replacement surgery | 3-6 months post-surgery | Surgeon clearance + physical therapy records |
| Arthroscopic surgery | 4-8 weeks post-surgery | Surgeon clearance |
| Severe flare-up | Until symptoms controlled | Treatment records showing stability |
| New diagnosis | After treatment initiated | Documentation of functional capacity |
Proper documentation streamlines your DOT physical and supports certification. Gather these items before your appointment:
Drivers with arthritis may have related conditions also evaluated during the DOT physical:
For complete information, see our DOT Physical Medical Conditions hub page.
Yes, if you maintain adequate functional capacity to operate a commercial vehicle safely.
Joint range of motion, grip strength, ability to operate vehicle controls, and overall mobility.
Most are allowed. NSAIDs and acetaminophen are fine. Opioids and sedating medications are generally not permitted.
Mild-to-moderate arthritis usually gets 2-year certification. Severe cases may get 1-year.
Yes, typically 3-6 months post-surgery with surgeon clearance.
For moderate-to-severe cases, orthopedic or rheumatology documentation is helpful.
Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides expert DOT physical examinations for commercial drivers with arthritis. Our FMCSA-certified medical examiners—Dr. Alan M. Tebby, D.C. and Dr. Lemuel Byrd—have extensive experience with this condition.
8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102
Charlotte, NC 28226
Questions? Call us at 704-544-3494 to discuss your arthritis and DOT certification requirements.