In response to the national emergency brought by the coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, the FMCSA has issued temporary license-renewal waivers to help states and CMV drivers assist with relief efforts. Specifically, drivers who held a valid CDL, CLP or medical card that expired on or after March 1, 2020, may continue to drive with the expired document until June 30.
Temporary Waivers
The waivers apply to certain commercial driver’s license (CDL), commercial
learner’s permit (CLP), and medical-certification requirements. The waivers are available for drivers who are unable to renew their CDL, CLP or medical card because of the coronavirus outbreak.
Specifically, drivers who held a valid CDL, CLP or medical card that expired on or after March 1, 2020, may continue to drive with the expired document until June 30. The medical card waiver applies to drivers who have proof of a valid medical certification that was issued for a period of at least 90 days and that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
Terms, Conditions and Restrictions of Waivers
The waivers mentioned above do not apply to:
- CDLs or CLPs that expired before March 1, 2020;
- CDLs or CLPs that were lost because of traffic offenses;
- Drivers with expired medical cards who cannot produce evidence of a prior medical certification that expired on or after March 1, 2020; or
- Drivers who are disqualified from operating in interstate commerce because of a newly diagnosed medical condition.
Finally, motor carriers are required to notify the FMCSA within five days of any accident involving any driver operating under a temporary waiver.
Notification must be sent by email to [email protected]. Waivers may be revoked for any violation of the terms and conditions set by the FMCSA.
Accident Notification (for waivers)
For any accident involving a driver operating under a temporary waiver, notification must include:
- Date of the accident;
- City or town and state in which the accident occurred (or that is closest to the accident scene);
- Driver’s name and license number;
- Vehicle number and state license number;
- Number of individuals who suffered physical injury;
- Number of fatalities;
- The police-reported cause of the accident (if available at time of the report); and
- Whether the driver was cited for violation of any traffic laws or motor carrier safety regulations.
Download a copy of “FMCSA Issues Temporary Waivers for Expired CDLs, CLPs and Medical Cards”