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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently extended a waiver that now gives drivers until September 30, 2020, to renew their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL), commercial learner’s permits (CLP), and medical cards. This extension will only apply to those whose CDL, CLP, or medical card expired on or after March 1. The waiver, which originally lasted until June 30, was issued in response to the current COVID-19 outbreak, which has closed many state motor vehicle offices and medical clinics across the country. With many doctors canceling routine visits, many drivers in need of a DOT physical have not been able to get one in time. Provided the medical certificate was issued for at least 90 days, the expired document will be accepted as valid until the September 30 deadline. In addition, CLP holders will not be required to retake their general and endorsement knowledge tests under the waiver.

For now, drivers should carry their expired CDLs, CLPs, and medical cards and present them when asked, with the knowledge that they will be accepted as valid until the September 30 deadline. It is important to keep in mind that this waiver is only good for documents that have expired since March 1. If the expiration date were prior to that, the waiver will not apply, and drivers could be issued out-of-service orders or fines for operating a vehicle while not in compliance.

For more details or if you have any questions contact ISRI’s Transportation Safety Director, Commodor Hall.