CDL, med cert waivers extended through May

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is extending the period for which states can choose to extend the validity of CDLs and CLPs through May 31. The waiver was set to expire Feb. 28.

The agency says many truck drivers have been unable to renew their CDLs or CLPs or provide medical certificates to their states due to staffing issues at state driver licensing agencies. Drivers have also been unable to make appointments for physical exams to obtain their medical certificate, FMCSA said.

The extended waiver now permits -- but does not require -- states to extend the validity of CDLs and CLPs due for renewal since March 1, 2020. It also waives the requirement that drivers have a medical exam and certification, provided they have proof of a valid medical certificate and any required medical variance issued for a period of 90 days or longer and expired on or after Dec. 1, 2020.