The DOT Blood Pressure Stages: What Do My Blood Pressure Numbers Mean?

Your Numbers, Explained Like a Traffic Light

The doc is looking at two numbers when they take your blood pressure:

1. Green Light: Good to Go

   2-Year Card

   Reading: Below 140/90

   The Deal: Perfect. You pass with flying colors and get your full 2-year med card. The doc sends you on your way, and you don’t have to worry about your blood pressure for a long time.

2. Yellow Light: The “Heads Up”

   1-Year Card

   Reading: 140/90 – 159/99 (Stage 1 hypertension)

   The Deal: You’re still good to drive, but this is a warning. The doc will give you a 1-year med card. They’re basically saying, “Hey, let’s keep an eye on this.” It’s a good time to start thinking about cutting back on the salty truck stop food and maybe walking a few extra laps around the trailer.

3. Orange Light: “Time to See a Doc”

   3-Month Card

   Reading: 160/100 – 179/109 (Stage 2)

   The Deal: This is where it gets serious. You can get a temporary 3-month med card, but only if you get on medication and bring your pressure down below 140/90. After those three months, you have to get re-checked. If you’ve got it under control, you’ll then get a 1-year card from that date. If not, you’re disqualified until you do. They don’t play around with these numbers.

4. Red Light: You’re Parked

   Disqualified

   Reading: 180/110 or higher (Stage 3)

   The Deal: This is a full stop. You are medically disqualified. You cannot drive until you get your blood pressure treated and lowered to 140/90 or less. It’s a major safety risk, and they won’t let you on the road.