Ann Potratz - Transportation Editor

Ann Potratz

Transportation

Ann joined J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. in 2018. As an Editor on the Transportation Publishing Team, she specializes in topics such as driver qualification, DOT drug and alcohol testing, and driver training.

Ann researches and creates content for a variety of products, including the Transportation Safety Training Advisor newsletter, the Driver Training Awareness Program, and the Personnel Management for the Transportation Industry manual. Her work has also appeared in a variety of trade publications and other media outlets.

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FAQs answered by Ann Potratz

Can a commercial motor vehicle driver use medical marijuana?

ANSWER:
According to §392.4, a driver cannot use a Schedule I drug. Marijuana is Schedule I and is prohibited even if the driver is legally prescribed it. In addition, use of a Schedule I drug medically disqualifies a driver based on §391.41(b)(12). There are no exceptions.

Do we need paper copies of driver qualification files if we store them electronically?

ANSWER:
FMCSA allows for the use of scanned images stored electronically in place of hard copies. §390.31 says, “Except as otherwise provided, copies that are legible and accurately reflect the information required to be contained in the record or document may be maintained in lieu of originals. Note that an auditor could ask you to print out a copy, so what you have imaged in must be as clear and legible as the original.”

Is an e-signature allowed on a driver application?

ANSWER:
For a paper application, a physical signature is required. For an application completed online, a signature is still required but can be provided by electronic means, such as a stylus, mouse, or finger to a tablet.

Products written by Ann Potratz

Transportation Safety Training Advisor

Driver Training Awareness Program

Personnel Management for the Transportation Industry

Recent Articles by Ann Potratz

› Top 5 Roadside Inspections in 2020

› 5 behaviors setting drivers up for roadside inspections

› Election impact: What will 2020 mean for trucking?

› FMCSA extends COVID-19 waivers through new year

› A happy customer is a returning customer

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