Washington — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has further extended a temporary waiver permitting the use of paper certificates to verify that truck and bus operators are physically fit to drive.
Effective April 11 and good through Oct. 11, the Medical Examiner’s Certificate extension covers commercial driver’s license holders, commercial learner’s permit holders and motor carriers. It allows drivers to use a paper copy of their certificate for up to 60 days after issuance.
FMCSA previously issued extensions in October and January.
An agency final rule requiring medical examiners to electronically submit physical exam results of CDL holders and CLP applicants to the agency’s National Registry went into effect June 23. Under the rule, FMCSA will “electronically transmit examination results and medical variance information” to state driver licensing agencies once received.
The waiver states that as of April 14, five states (Alaska, California, Kentucky, Louisiana and New Hampshire) hadn’t implemented requirements of the electronic system, leaving them to continue to rely on paper copies.
FMCSA says the purpose of the exemption “is to ensure that drivers with valid medical certification and their employers are not penalized for delays outside their control.”
The agency notes that it doesn’t foresee granting additional, nationwide waivers or exemptions after the current exemption expires.
