FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Waivers and Declarations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced on Monday that it is extending several COVID-19 waivers and declarations. These were supposed to end today, but they will now remain in place until at least February 28th.
These waivers and declarations allow truck drivers more flexibility with their maximum driving hours. However, they only apply to trucking companies and drivers who are directly involved in pandemic relief efforts. This includes transporting medical supplies and equipment used for COVID-19 testing, diagnosis, and treatment.
The extended rules also cover truckers transporting:
- COVID-19 vaccines, medical supplies, and equipment needed for vaccine distribution.
- Safety and sanitation supplies like masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, and soap.
- Supplies for people affected by the pandemic, including building materials for those displaced by the emergency.
- Food, paper products, and groceries needed to restock stores and distribution centers.
- Fuel, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and ethyl alcohol.
- Livestock and livestock feed.
FMCSA stated that all previously established reporting requirements are still in place. To qualify for these waivers and declarations, truckers must be transporting essential goods or helping restore supplies.
The FMCSA also extended waivers for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and commercial learner’s permits (CLP) under certain conditions.
For medical exams, FMCSA is waiving the rule requiring drivers to have an up-to-date medical exam and certification. This applies if they had a valid medical certification that expired on or after September 1 and was originally valid for 90 days or more.
The FMCSA is also extending COVID-19 waivers for third-party CDL test examiners and CLP holders who are operating commercial vehicles.
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