FMCSA has issued an extension of the waiver for CDL’s and CLP’s that became effective 1/1/2021 and is set to expire on 2/28/2021. This waiver is outlined in the blue text below.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA), however, did not renew the exemption for waiver of the Security Threat Assessment (STA) which is required in order to obtain or renew a hazmat endorsement. This exemption expired on 12/31/2020.
The result of TSA not extending their waiver is that expired CDL’s with an HM endorsement will not be valid for the transportation of hazmat. The CDL will remain valid due to the executive order and waiver by FMCSA, but not for the transportation of hazardous materials requiring placard. Essentially the hazmat endorsement is invalid upon expiration of the CDL.
Despite the waivers, the Maine Motor Transport Association strongly encourages all members to renew CDL’s and medical cards prior to expiration, and to self-certify as required, as Maine BMV is downgrading CDL licenses without the self-certification. Drivers with hazmat endorsements must also schedule the STA before expiration as required, in order to continue their hazmat endorsement.
Please feel free to contact Randy DeVault or Tim Doyle at MMTA if you have any questions.
FMCSA WAIVER
For CDL/CLP Drivers, the waiver will:
- Waive until February 28, 2021, the maximum period of CDL validity for CDLs due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020;
- Waive until February 28, 2021, the maximum period of CLP validity for CLPs that are due for renewal on or after March 1, 2020, without requiring the CLP holders to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests;
- Waive until February 28, 2021, the requirement that CLP holders wait 14 days to take the CDL skills test;
Medical Requirements for CDL/CLP and non-CDL drivers:
- This notice will waive, until February 28, 2021 the requirement that CDL holders, CLP holders, and non-CDL drivers have a medical examination and certification, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification and any required medical variance that were issued for a period of 90 days or longer and that expired on or after September 1, 2020.
- This notice will also waive the requirement that, in order to maintain the medical certification status of “certified,” CDL or CLP holders provide the SDLA with an original or copy of a subsequently issued medical examiner’s certificate and any required medical variance, provided that they have proof of a valid medical certification or medical variance that expired on or after September 1, 2020.