Medical Card and CDL Extension Pushed To Feb 28

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration extended a waiver through May 31, 2021, giving drivers more time to renew expired CDLs, CLPs and med certs because of difficulty scheduling DOT physicals and driver’s license renewals due staffing shortages and other issues.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the FMCSA feared drivers would have trouble renewing commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learners permit (CLP) or getting DOT physicals for their medical cards.

So, earlier this year the FMCSA announced a waiver for CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers transporting essential supplies and equipment during the pandemic that would allow them to delay renewing medical cards and CDLs until December 31^st, 2020.

This deadline has been pushed to February 28th.

If you have been driving essential supplies and equipment during the pandemic and referring to the waiver to delay renewing licenses or medical cards, renewals could be delayed.

What CDL holders need to do before Feb 28, 2020

• If your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) was up for renewal on or after March 1, 2020, you need to renew it by February 28.
• If your medical examination and certification (or med card) expired on or after June 1, 2020, you have until February 28, to schedule a DOT physical and have it renewed.

What CLP holders need to do before Dec 31, 2020

• If your Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) was up for renewal on or after March 1, 2020, you need to renew it by February 28, which requires the CLP holders to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests.
• If your medical examination and certification (or med card) expired on or after June 1, 2020, you have until February 28, to schedule a DOT physical and have it renewed.

What non-CDL holders need to do before Dec 31, 2020

• If your medical examination and certification (or med card) expired on or after June 1, 2020, you have until February 28, to schedule a DOT physical and have it renewed.

The HOS portion of the waiver has been extended to Feb 28, 2021 and expanded to include vaccine distribution.

The FMCSA also issued an Enforcement Notice, explaining that it will not take enforcement action against drivers and motor carriers that fall under the terms of the waiver. However, we have seen some roadside enforcement still give violations out when drivers are meeting the waiver guidelines.

CNS Can Help With DOT Physicals, DataQs, and More

Incorrect violations can be challenged and our DataQ process and our DOT consultants are well-versed in the FMCSA rules and regulations, with specific knowledge on what officers are required to note in their report. We are able to challenge one DataQ or schedule a monthly review of all roadside inspections and report on which violations can be challenged.

Our DOT Compliance Specialists can help with DataQ’s. You can call 888.260.9448 to talk to a specialist or request more information in the form above.

CNS collection sites and network of collection sites are open for DOT physicals and required drug and alcohol testing