Act now to address medical certifications expired during COVID-19

As a result of COVID-19, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a nationwide emergency declaration which waived parts of the federal motor carrier safety regulations, such as Hours of Service, if the operation was in direct response to the pandemic.

One of the things FMCSA also did (in conjunction with state driver’s license agencies) through this emergency declaration was decide to not penalize CDL holders who had their medical card expire during the pandemic. This only applied if drivers had a valid medical certification as of February 29, 2020, and it expired on or after March 1, 2020. See an announcement from FMCSA on medical cards here.

MTAC members should be aware that when the emergency declaration expires on June 30, the flexibility regarding expired medical cards will end. Accordingly, effective July 1, 2020, all CDL drivers must have a valid, up-to-date medical card! Do not wait, schedule appointments with Certified Medical Examiners now.

Members can use this FMCSA website to search for Certified Medical Examiners in Connecticut who are qualified to perform the physical examinations.

Additionally, once the driver has obtained medical certification, the medical cards (short form) must be submitted to Connecticut DMV using this website.