INDUSTRY NEWS
DOT Waiver in Response to COVID-19 Emergency
The Department of Transportation (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA) has issued a waiver from certain regulations applicable certain drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
This action is being taken in response to the President's declaration of a national emergency under 42 U.S.C. § 5191(b) related to Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The waiver is effective March 20, 2020 and expires on June 30, 2020.
FMCSA has determined that it is in the public interest to issue a waiver, limited in scope and circumstances, which is likely to achieve a greater or equivalent level of safety than in its absence. The waiver is intended to allow the following drivers the ability to transport goods in response to the COVID-19 emergency:
- CDL - Commercial Vehicle License drivers;
- CLP - Commercial Learner's Permit holders;
- CMV - Commercial Motor Vehicle drivers; and
- Interstate NON CDL drivers
This waiver extends until June 30, 2020 and contains the following accommodations:
- Extends until June 30, 2020 the maximum period of CDL validity for CDLs due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020.
- Extends until June 30, 2020 the maximum period of CLP validity for CLPs that are due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020, without requiring the CLP holders to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests.
- Waives the requirement that CLP holders wait 14 days to take the CDL skills test.
- Waives the requirement that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification that was issued for a period of 90 days or longer and that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
- Waives the requirement that, in order to maintain the medical certification status of "certified," CDL or CLP holders provide the State Driver Licensing Agency with an original or copy of a subsequently issued medical examiner's certificate, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification that expired on or after March 1, 2020.
The contents of this announcement by the DOT does not have the force and effect of law and are not intended to bind the public in any way. This document is intended only to provide clarification to the traveling public regarding existing requirements under the law or DOT-agency policies.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
Posted: April 27, 2020
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