FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Emergency Declaration through November 30

If you are hauling products related to pandemic relief, FMCSA has provided regulatory relief for maximum driving time for commercial vehicles involved directly in COVID-19 relief efforts, including but not limited to the transportation of vaccines, medical supplies and equipment, along with livestock and livestock feed, and food, paper products and other groceries for emergency restocking. Additional commodities covered under the newest declaration include gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and ethyl alcohol, along with supplies to assist individuals impacted by the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, such as building materials for displaced individuals.

FMCSA also extended its waiver for interstate drivers operating commercial motor vehicles with credentials that expired on or after March 1, 2020. If you have credentials that technically expired in March 2020, you now have until November 30 to renew those credentials. Drivers whose medical certification or medical variance expired on or after June 1, 2021, also have until November 30 to renew. 

This is not a blanket exemption from the CDL, Commercial Learners Permits and/or Medical Certificate requirements. Drivers and carriers should review the waiver details and check with states where you are operating to ensure your operations qualify. Some states have indicated they will not extend the expiration periods to match FMCSA’s waiver.