Expert Insights on DOT Compliance
In-depth analysis, regulatory updates, and practical compliance guidance from transportation attorneys and industry experts.
FMCSA Modifies Temporary Waiver for Paper Medical Certificates Amid NRII Transition
According to a notice published August 21, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has modified its temporary waiver, allowing interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, as well as motor carriers, to use paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance. This waiver, effective until October 12, 2025, addresses ongoing challenges in the transition to the National Re
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Issues Temporary Waiver for NRII Transition, Easing CDL Medical Certification Delays for Motor Carriers and Drivers
Coming on the heels of a rocky transition to the new fully-electronic process for CDL medical certifications, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced a temporary waiver for CDL drivers and the motor carriers that employ them. This FMCSA waiver addresses potential delays in the electronic transmission of DOT medical exam results stemming from medical examiners or state drivers licensing agencies (SDLAs) who weren't prepared for this long awaited change, ensuring that
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA to void over 15,000 driver med cards and remove non-compliant medical examiners from National Registry
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has proposed the removal of two Houston-area medical examiners from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) for failure to properly perform physical qualification exams required for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This move, which impacts over 15,000 drivers, underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring only qualified professionals par
Brandon Wiseman
Changes in store for CDL medical examiner certification process
Learn how FMCSA’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration Rule will impact fleets, drivers, and compliance procedures when it takes eff
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA proposing to remove over 15,000 medical examiners from National Registry
FMCSA is proposing to remove over 15,000 medical examiners from its National Registry of Medical Examiners, according to a notice to be published in the Federal Register soon.In its notice, the FMCSA explains these examiners have not set up accounts through login.gov, the government-run multi-factor authentication site, and therefore are unable to "fulfill regulatory requirements such as reporting results of physical qualification examinations performed on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers,
Brandon Wiseman
Understanding DOT physical exams & med cards
In order for an individual to be qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), he/she must meet the minimum qualification standards set forth in Part 391 of the federal motor carrier safety rules, and motor carriers that employ or engage drivers have a responsibility to ensure that their drivers are and remain qualified under those rules. One of those minimum qualification standards warrants additional attention and it’s the one that says that drivers must be physically qualified to ope
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