Tow Truck Operator DOT Physical Exam in Charlotte, NC
TL;DR – Tow Truck Operator DOT Physical Quick Facts
- Cost: $70 flat rate – includes exam, urinalysis, and laminated medical card
- Certification period: Up to 24 months for healthy drivers
- Walk-ins welcome: No appointment needed, Monday–Friday 9 AM–5 PM
- FMCSA submission: Results electronically transmitted to National Registry within 1 hour
- Experience: Dr. Alan M. Tebby (40+ years) and Dr. Lemuel Byrd (44+ years)
- Location: 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte NC 28226
Do Tow Truck Operators Need DOT Physicals?
DOT physical requirements for tow truck operators depend on vehicle weight and company policy:
Heavy-duty tow trucks: Wreckers, rotators, and heavy recovery vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR absolutely require DOT physicals. If your tow truck combined with towed vehicle exceeds 26,001 lbs GCWR, you need CDL Class A.
Medium-duty flatbeds and wheel-lifts: Most flatbed carriers and medium wheel-lift trucks exceed 10,001 lbs GVWR, requiring DOT physicals.
Light-duty tow trucks: Many Charlotte-area towing companies require DOT physicals for all operators as company policy and insurance requirement.
Tow Truck Classifications and Requirements
| Tow Truck Type | Typical GVWR | DOT Physical Required | CDL Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light-duty wheel-lift | 8,000-14,000 lbs | Usually (over 10,001) | No |
| Medium-duty flatbed | 14,000-26,000 lbs | Yes | No |
| Heavy-duty wrecker | 26,001-50,000 lbs | Yes | Yes (Class B) |
| Rotator/Heavy recovery | 50,000+ lbs | Yes | Yes (Class A/B) |
Unique Challenges for Tow Truck Operators
Roadside hazards: Working alongside moving traffic requires alertness and situational awareness that the DOT physical evaluates.
Irregular hours: 24/7 operations and emergency callouts affect sleep patterns. Sleep apnea is particularly common and important to manage.
Physical demands: Hooking vehicles, operating winches, and working with heavy equipment requires physical capability assessed in the DOT examination.
What Does a Tow Truck Operator DOT Physical Examine?
At Charlotte DOT Exam Center, our FMCSA-certified medical examiners—Dr. Alan M. Tebby and Dr. Lemuel Byrd—evaluate all commercial drivers using federal standards:
Vision: Minimum 20/40 acuity in each eye, 70-degree peripheral vision, and color recognition for traffic signals.
Hearing: Must perceive forced whisper at 5 feet.
Blood pressure: Below 140/90 for 2-year certification. Higher readings receive shorter certification periods.
Physical fitness: Neurological, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and respiratory assessment.
Urinalysis: Screens for underlying conditions like diabetes—separate from drug testing.
Certification Periods by Health Status
| Health Status | Certificate Duration |
|---|---|
| Healthy, all standards met | 24 months |
| Treated Stage 1 hypertension | 12 months |
| Insulin-treated diabetes (with exemption) | 12 months |
| Sleep apnea with CPAP compliance | 12 months |
| Conditions requiring monitoring | 3-12 months |
What Should Tow Truck Operators Bring to Their DOT Physical?
- Valid photo ID (driver’s license or passport)
- Current glasses or contact lenses if worn while driving
- Complete medication list with dosages
- CPAP compliance data if you have sleep apnea
- Blood glucose logs if you have diabetes
- Cardiac clearance for heart conditions
- Any employer or company-required documentation
Drivers managing sleep apnea, diabetes, or hypertension can obtain certification with proper treatment documentation.
Why Tow Truck Operators Choose Charlotte DOT Exam Center
- $70 flat rate – No hidden fees, same price for all drivers
- Walk-in availability – No appointment needed
- Same-day certification – Laminated card in hand
- FMCSA Registry submission within 1 hour
- 84+ combined years of examiner experience
Charlotte Areas We Serve
Convenient for tow truck operators throughout Charlotte metro: Pineville, Matthews, Ballantyne, South Charlotte, Huntersville, Concord, Gastonia, Rock Hill, Fort Mill, and Indian Trail. Easy access from I-485, I-77, and I-85.
Schedule Your Tow Truck Operator DOT Physical Today
Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Call (704) 544-3494 or visit 8415 Pineville-Matthews Road, Suite 102, Charlotte NC 28226.
Learn about requirements for other commercial drivers at our Driver Types Hub, including CDL Class A drivers, CDL Class B drivers, and owner-operators.
Frequently Asked Questions: Tow Truck Operator DOT Physical
Do all tow truck drivers need DOT physicals in North Carolina?
Tow trucks over 10,001 lbs GVWR require DOT physicals under federal regulations. Many towing companies require DOT physicals for all operators as company policy.
How much does a tow truck operator DOT physical cost?
Charlotte DOT Exam Center charges $70 flat rate for tow truck operator DOT physicals regardless of truck type or CDL class.
Do tow truck operators need a CDL?
Heavy-duty wreckers over 26,001 lbs GVWR require CDL Class B. If combined weight exceeds 26,001 lbs GCWR with towed vehicle over 10,000 lbs, CDL Class A may be required.
Can tow truck operators with sleep apnea get DOT certified?
Yes, with documented CPAP compliance. Tow truck operators often work irregular hours, making sleep apnea management particularly important.
Do roadside assistance drivers need DOT physicals?
If the service vehicle exceeds 10,001 lbs GVWR, yes. Many roadside assistance vehicles fall into this category.
How often do tow truck operators need DOT physicals?
Healthy operators receive 24-month certificates. Those with managed conditions may receive 12-month or shorter certifications.
Do flatbed tow truck drivers need different certification?
No, flatbed operators undergo the same DOT physical as wheel-lift or wrecker operators.
What if my tow company requires DOT physicals but my truck is under 10,001 lbs?
Many companies require DOT physicals as policy regardless of weight. Charlotte DOT Exam Center provides the same $70 examination.
Do I need an appointment for my tow truck operator DOT physical?
No appointment needed. Walk-ins welcome Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM.
Can tow truck owner-operators get DOT physicals at Charlotte DOT Exam Center?
Yes, we serve both company drivers and owner-operators. Our $70 flat rate is designed for independent operators.
