Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption
Published Date: 2/6/2026
Notice
Summary
The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance asked for a break to let truck drivers and companies use paper medical certificates until a new digital system is ready everywhere. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is asking for your thoughts on this idea before March 9, 2026. This change helps drivers keep rolling smoothly without extra costs while the new system gets set up nationwide.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Keep Using Paper Medical Certificates
FMCSA is considering an exemption that would let motor carriers and drivers use a paper copy of the medical examiner's certificate (MEC) as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days from the MEC issuance date. If granted, the exemption would be valid for one year and would exempt motor carriers and drivers from the June 22, 2025 end date and the 15-day limit in 49 CFR 391.23(m)(2)(iii), 391.23(m)(3)(i)(C), 391.41(a)(2)(i)(A) and (a)(2)(ii), and 391.51(b)(6)(ii). Comments are requested by March 9, 2026. The notice states that as of February 6, 2026, 42 States and the District of Columbia have implemented NRII and eight States have not.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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