COVID-19: Making U.S. truck drivers work extra hard and unable to re-new their DOT Medical Card or License.
DOT Medical Card/License Waiver: Truck drivers with expiring licenses or medical cards have been given an extension because of difficulties renewing during the COVID-19 crisis.
FMCSA issued a waiver and is summarized:
If your license or medical card expires on or after March 1, 2020, you are covered under this waiver (terms and conditions apply). This waiver does not cover you if either your license or medical card has expired before March 1, 2020. If you are a driver claiming relief under this waiver, you must have a paper copy of your expired medical card with you at all times. If you cannot produce evidence of your expired medical card, you are not covered under this waiver. This includes new drivers who have never obtained a medical card. If your Commercial Learner’s Permit is due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020, you are covered under this waiver. The waiver also states that your medical certification status will not be marked as “not certified” in the eligibility system as long as you have proof of a valid medical certification that expired on or after March 1, 2020. This means if you have a medical card that expired before March 1, 2020, you are required to obtain a NEW medical card to recertify your eligibility. Do not assume that your eligibility will be considered as your previous medical card is listed with the State of Texas. Even though your new medical card will not be updated in the states system just yet, it is recommended to carry the new updated medical card with you at all times while operating.
This COVID-19 waiver does not apply to CDL/CLP holders if the driver has previously lost privileges due to traffic violations or offenses. This waiver also does not apply to medical cards initially issued for 3 months and/or 90 days. Have you been in a motor vehicle accident involving a CDL/CLP or non-CDL driver after March 1, 2020? If yes, it needs to be reported ASAP. Any accidents on or after March 1, 2020 must be reported to FMCSA. Notification of accident(s) must be emailed to MCPSD@DOT.GOV. Visit this website (1) to learn what you need to include in the email when reporting motor vehicle accidents.
A truck driver was diagnosed with a medical condition that disqualifies him/her from operating interstate commerce (outside of state lines) and/or was required to have an exemption (Skill Performance Evaluation) before they could legally operate any CMV. Unfortunately, this truck driver is not covered under this waiver.
So, you’re a CLP holder and you were in the middle of obtaining your CDL. Thanks COVID! What do I do now? Here’s what we know: The requirement of waiting 14 days to take the skills test has been waived. If you have a CLP that is due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020, you will not be required to retake the general and endorsement knowledge test. If your Commercial Learner’s Permit is due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020, you are covered under this waiver.
This waiver is effective March 20, 2020 and expires on June 30, 2020.
Visit this website to schedule your DOT Medical Card appointment.