Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Public Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
County clerk urges CDL drivers to submit medical certificates in person amid reporting lapses; warns of insurance consequences
Summary
The county clerk's office advised commercial drivers to deliver medical certificates to the local office because certificates sent by physicians to Albany are sometimes not reaching state records, causing downgrades; the clerk also warned of insurance lapses leading to misdemeanor charges and announced an Aug. 24 passport event and a notary test.
A representative of the Sullivan County clerk's office told the Government Services Committee that medical certification records for commercial drivers are sometimes not reaching Albany after physicians submit them, causing drivers' commercial credentials to be downgraded.
"If they don't have that on your record, you will be downgraded, meaning your license, your commercial license will be downgraded to a regular driver's license," the clerk said and recommended that drivers bring their medical certificates directly to the county office so staff can ensure the records are filed correctly.
The clerk also reported a rise in insurance lapses and warned vehicle owners that driving without valid insurance can result in misdemeanor charges and impoundment. "If you do not have insurance and you are pulled over, your vehicle will likely be impounded, and it is a misdemeanor," the clerk said, urging residents to respond promptly to mailed notices about required insurance information.
The clerk described recent operational improvements to a mobile unit with a new "plug and play" equipment setup to speed services. The office announced a passport event on Aug. 24 and said a notary test will be held in two weeks at the Elks; the clerk encouraged the public to sign up on the county site.
Committee members asked clarifying questions about the submission process for medical certificates and insurance reporting; the clerk said the doctor's office is the entity that submits medical certificates but that the county office can accept them directly to avoid gaps in state records.
No formal action was taken; the clerk urged residents to contact the county office to schedule in-person submissions and to check insurance status to avoid enforcement.
