When should a driver with COPD not be certified?

A driver with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) should not be certified if the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) is less than 65 mm Hg at low altitudes. This is indicative of severe hypoxemia, which can impair the driver’s ability to function properly and react promptly while driving. Adequate oxygen levels are essential for mental clarity, alertness, and overall physical capability. If a driver’s PaO2 level is below this threshold, it suggests that their lungs are not efficiently supplying enough oxygen to the bloodstream, which can increase the risk of incapacitation or accidents.

While a pulse oximetry reading below 95% and audible wheezing indicate potential respiratory issues, they do not provide as direct a measure of the severity and impact of COPD on driving safety as the PaO2 level does. Moreover, a forced vital capacity (FVC) of less than 70% offers insights into lung function but does not necessarily preclude certification unless it correlates with inadequate oxygenation and affects the individual's ability to drive safely.