A DMV error could keep you from working. That’s exactly what happened to a California driver who was subjected to a Level 1 inspection at a rest area in North Dakota. Everything seemed to be in order, but the DMV medical report listed “intrastate” instead of “interstate”. Because of this mistake, the driver couldn’t continue working that day. And all due to an error by the DMV itself!
The difference between intrastate and interstate
When your DMV records show the word “intrastate”, it means you’re only authorized to drive within the state where you reside (in this case, California) and you cannot legally operate outside that state as a commercial driver. For that, your license must be listed as “interstate”.
So, this OTR (Over The Road) driver had to call his company to let them know he couldn’t continue working. He narrowly avoided a fine because the officer understood that it was a DMV error and not the driver’s fault, thank God!
What happened?
The driver clearly told the DMV employee that his license needed to be “interstate” when it was issued, but the DMV staff member apparently didn’t understand the difference and issued the wrong license.
To legally drive on interstate routes, your record needs to say “interstate non-excepted”, which certifies that you meet all federal FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration) requirements.
A misclick at the DMV
This driver wasn’t the only one to suffer from this mistake. Many others have reported similar errors during their renewals.
Apparently, it’s a common mistake for the DMV worker to click the wrong status, but of course, you’re the one who pays for it when you get inspected on the road, taken out of service, and if you’re unlucky, sent home with a ticket.
What to do if the DMV marked your certificate incorrectly
The first thing is, if your medical certificate is valid and signed by a professional, you won’t need to redo it, just request an update to the DMV’s administrative records.
Do you need to return to your home state?
Not always. If you’re in another state (as in this trucker’s case), you can contact the California DMV by phone or email and explain that your certificate was entered as “intrastate” by mistake. In many cases, it can be corrected without physically returning to the office.
The direct number for the California DMV CDL Unit is: 1-916-657-5771.
Our advice: as soon as you receive your license, review it thoroughly to avoid any errors made during the process!
What happens during a DOT inspection if it’s not your fault
Other drivers have confirmed that you won’t get a ticket if the officers recognize that the mistake came from the DMV and not from you. However, you may still be placed out of service until it’s fixed, and that could take hours… or even days.
That’s why it’s crucial for drivers to regularly check the status of their certificate in the federal system, especially after medical renewals or changing states!
A bureaucratic error could prevent you from working like usual, even if everything else is in order. Make sure your medical certificate is correctly classified to avoid surprises! On the road, every hour counts, just like knowing how to check boxes and licenses! No more license shocks, we just want to work in peace like always.
Tips to avoid license mistakes
- Make sure your license is marked as “interstate non-excepted” if you plan to drive outside your home state.
- Don’t assume they know, specify that you need an interstate license and confirm they selected the correct option!
- Before leaving the DMV or right when it arrives, check for errors in your status.
- Use the FMCSA website to confirm that your medical certificate and license are listed correctly as interstate non-excepted.
- Keep the DMV’s contact info with you
- Save proof that the DMV made the mistake
- Keep your medical certificate updated and signed
- Act fast if you notice an error
- Stay calm during inspections