Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has granted a waiver that extends and revises dates for commercial motor vehicle drivers’ (CMVs) licensing and medical certification.
Temporary Waivers
The waiver starts Oct. 1 and applies to certain commercial driver’s license (CDL), commercial learner’s permit (CLP), and medical certification requirements. This waiver provides the same relief as waivers that were granted on March 24 and June 15, 2020, but have since expired.
Under the waiver, drivers who held a valid CDL or CLP and have an expired license may continue to operate a CMV until Dec. 31, 2020. Medical certifications for CDLs, CPLs and interstate non-CDL drivers that expired March 1 – May 31, 2020, must be renewed by Oct. 31, 2020. Certifications that expired on or after June 1, 2020, have a Dec. 31, 2020, renewal deadline.
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.
Motor carriers must 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.
The FMCSA has granted a new waiver that extends and revises dates for licensing and medical certification.
Waiver Deadlines
Oct. 31, 2020
Medical certification waiver deadline for certifications expired on or after March 1, 2020, but before June 1, 2020.
Dec. 31, 2020
Medical certification waiver deadline for certifications expired on or after June 1, 2020. Driver’s license renewal deadline for CDL, CPL and non-CDL license holders.
This Legal Update is not intended to be exhaustive nor should any discussion or opinions be construed as legal advice. Readers should contact legal counsel for legal advice. ©2020 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.
