Passing a DOT physical with breathing problems can feel confusing. Many drivers worry if asthma, COPD, or other lung conditions will disqualify them. At E-Z DOT Physicals, we follow the official FMCSA rules to help you understand what is required.

What Happens If You Have a Breathing Problem?

If you have asthma, COPD, or another lung disease, you may need a breathing test. This test checks how much air you can breathe in and out. It also checks how fast you can move air through your lungs.

If your results are low, you may need more tests. These extra tests check how much oxygen is in your blood.

With Breathing Problems, Oxygen Levels Must Be Safe

One simple test is called a pulse oximeter. It clips to your finger. It checks your oxygen level.

• If your oxygen level is 92% or higher, you may pass.
• If your oxygen level is lower than 92%, you need a blood test.

This blood test checks two things:

1. Oxygen in your blood (must be 65 or higher if you live below 5,000 feet)
2. Carbon dioxide in your blood (must be 45 or lower)

If your numbers are not safe, you cannot pass the DOT physical.

With Breathing Problems, Can You Drive While Using Oxygen?

Most drivers cannot pass your DOT physical if they need to use oxygen while driving.

Why?

• The oxygen machine could fail or explode.
• Needing oxygen shows serious lung disease.

Because of these risks, you cannot pass if you use oxygen while driving.

What About Allergies or Sinus Problems that cause Breathing Problems?

Seasonal Allergies or Sinus Infections

You can pass your DOT physical if your symptoms are under control.
However, you cannot pass if you have:

• Swollen, painful eyes
• Trouble keeping your eyes open
• Bright light hurting your eyes
• Uncontrollable sneezing
• Severe headaches
• Allergy medicines that make you drowsy

Life-Threatening Allergies

You can pass if your allergies are well-managed.
If there is no treatment or prevention, you cannot pass.

What About Asthma or Lung Disease?

Asthma

You can pass your DOT physical if your asthma is well-controlled.
If you have constant breathing problems, you cannot pass.

COPD, Lung Scarring, or Chest Problems

You can pass your DOT physical if you can breathe well enough.
If you have a constant cough that makes you pass out, you cannot pass.

Cystic Fibrosis

You can pass for one year if you can breathe well.
However, you cannot pass if you have:

• Low oxygen even when resting
• Serious breathing failure
• A constant cough that causes blackouts
• Poor breathing test results

What If You Had a Collapsed Lung causing Breathing Problems?

You can pass your DOT physical if your lung is fully healed.
If you have had two or more lung collapses on the same side and no surgery to fix it, you cannot pass.

What About Heart Problems Caused by Lung Disease?

You can pass for two years if you:

• Breathe well
• Feel normal
• Have safe oxygen levels

You cannot pass if you:

• Feel short of breath at rest
• Feel dizzy
• Have low oxygen

What About High Blood Pressure in the Lungs?

This is called pulmonary hypertension.

You can pass for one year if you:

• Have no symptoms
• Have safe lung pressure levels
• Get a note from your lung doctor

You cannot pass if you:

• Have symptoms
• Have dangerously high lung pressure

---

Need Help? We Are Here for You!

Passing a DOT physical with breathing problems is possible if your condition is under control.

At E-Z DOT Physicals at 84 Chiropractic, we help you understand your options. We follow FMCSA rules to keep you and others safe on the road.

Call us today at 724-470-9600 or book online at www.ezdotphysicals.com.

---