Washington — As it transitions to an electronic system for the submission of certificates verifying that truck and bus operators are physically fit to drive, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended a temporary waiver permitting the use of paper copies.
The Medical Examiner’s Certificate extension runs through Jan. 10 and applies to commercial driver’s licenses 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.
An FMCSA 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.
However, the waiver states that as of Oct. 9, 38 states and the District of Columbia had implemented the requirements, leaving 12 states “continuing to rely” on paper certificates.
“FMCSA determined that reissuing the waiver is in the public interest to prevent undue hardship on drivers with valid medical certification and their employers due to potential processing delays outside of their control during this transition period,” the agency says.
