Washington D.C. – The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has extended COVID-19 relief waivers permitting States to continue recognizing those whose commercial driver’s license (CDL), commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and/or medical cards expired on or after March 1 of last year.

In a newly issued waiver, the Agency said it will allow, but not require, States to extend the validity of CDLs and CLPs until August 31, 2021, or upon the revocation of the Declaration of National Emergency related to COVID-19.

Additionally, the FMCSA is continuing to allow CLP holders to take the CDL skills test without waiting 14 days after initial issuance of the CLP.

Further, the Agency is also extending a waiver to the requirement that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after December 1, 2020.

The FMCSA explained its decision:

“Many CDL and CLP holders may be unable to renew their CDLs and CLPs or provide medical certificates to their State Driver Licensing Agencies (SDLA),” the Agency said. “In addition, due to limited operations or backlogs, drivers may be unable to obtain appointments for physical examinations with medical examiners to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Given the national emergency, there is a continued public need for transportation of essential supplies, equipment, and persons, which requires an adequate and sustained supply of CDL holders, CLP holders, and drivers operating CMVs (non-CDL drivers).”

The Agency issued similar waivers on March 24, June 15, September 18, December 15, 2020, and February 16, 2021, providing similar relief.

Multiple terms and conditions apply to the waivers.

Click HERE to view the FMCSA’s entire order.

Also this week, the Agency extended its historic 50-state hours of service exemption for motor carriers directly engaged in COVID-19 pandemic relief efforts.

However, the FMCSA again reiterated its intention to end COVID-19 relief measures in the coming months.

A review is expected to take place beginning July 1 and could result in modifications and/or terminations of any and all COVID-related regulatory flexibility.

TransportationNation.com will continue to follow it closely.

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