What is the FMCSA medical certificate exemption?

FMCSA has issued a temporary exemption that allows interstate CDL holders, CLP holders, and motor carriers to rely on a paper medical examiner’s certificate instead of immediate electronic verification.

Under this exemption, drivers can use a valid paper certificate for up to 60 days from the date it is issued.

What does this mean for drivers right now?

Drivers should plan for both paper and electronic systems during the transition period.

Key points to follow

• Paper medical certificates are valid for up to 60 days from the issue date
• The exemption runs from April 11 through October 11
• Drivers should carry a paper copy during this period
• Electronic submission is still required

Why is FMCSA allowing paper certificates again?

The exemption is tied to the transition to the National Registry II system. The National Registry II system is a federal program that requires certified medical examiners to submit driver medical certification results electronically to state licensing agencies.

FMCSA said the temporary allowance is meant to support drivers and carriers as state agencies and medical examiners adjust to the new process.

“This action further supports drivers and carriers as State Driver’s Licensing Agencies and certified medical examiners continue to transition to the secure electronic transmission of medical certification data required under the National Registry II final rule,” FMCSA said.

What drivers and carriers need to do

Drivers should continue carrying a paper copy of their medical examiner’s certificate even if their results are submitted electronically.

FMCSA also recommends that certified medical examiners continue issuing paper certificates to drivers along with electronic submissions until further notice.

This reduces the risk of issues during roadside inspections if electronic records are delayed.

How long will the exemption last

FMCSA stated that the exemption will last for six months and does not expect to extend it beyond that period.

“FMCSA does not anticipate granting additional, nationwide NRII waivers or exemptions after the six-month duration of this exemption.”

Drivers and carriers should expect a full transition to electronic verification after the exemption ends.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can drivers still use a paper medical certificate?
Yes. Drivers can use a paper medical examiner’s certificate as proof of certification for up to 60 days from the issue date during the exemption period.

Q: When does the exemption end?
The exemption runs from April 11 through October 11 and is expected to last six months.

Q: Do drivers still need electronic records submitted?
Yes. Medical examiners are still required to submit results electronically under the National Registry II system.

Q: Should drivers carry a paper copy?
Yes. Drivers should carry a paper certificate during the transition in case electronic records are not immediately available.

Q: Will FMCSA extend the exemption?
FMCSA has stated it does not expect to issue additional nationwide exemptions after this one ends.

FMCSA’s temporary exemption gives drivers and carriers time to adjust while the NRII system is implemented. Drivers should continue carrying paper documentation and be prepared for full electronic verification once the exemption period ends.

Author: Truck Drivers USA Editorial Team

The Truck Drivers USA editorial team creates practical, driver-focused content covering industry news, regulations, and real-world topics that impact drivers on and off the road. Each article is written to provide clear, accurate information that drivers can use.

Last updated: April 13, 2026

The post FMCSA Allows Temporary Use of Paper Medical Certificates During NRII Transition appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The session, titled “How the New FMCSA Exemption and TMC Streamline Technician Training Requirements for Inspections,” is designed to help techs, fleet managers, and maintenance leads understand how the rule will speed up technician certification while keeping safety front and center.

According to ASE, “The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) earlier this year granted American Trucking Associations (ATA) and its Technology and Maintenance Council (TMC) a five-year exemption that will cut the time new technicians need to spend preparing to enter the workforce while maintaining high standards for safety and competency.”

What This Means for Techs

In simple terms, this exemption gives trained techs a faster path to qualify for key inspection and repair work. Instead of completing a full year of experience or training, technicians can now qualify with 540 hours of instruction if that training follows TMC’s recommended practices (RPs).

This rule change, originally requested by ATA back in 2020, helps both new and seasoned techs move up more quickly while ensuring the same level of safety and skill the FMCSA requires.

Webinar Details and Who’s Speaking

Robert Braswell from TMC will break down exactly how the new exemption applies to motor carriers, intermodal equipment providers, and individuals. He’ll also explain how self-certification works for those who complete RP-based training programs.

According to the FMCSA, this new approach “would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulatory requirements.”

Anyone who joins the live session will receive a certificate of attendance for professional development. ASE notes it may take up to a week for certificates to arrive by email.

Even if you can’t make the live event, it’s still worth registering. Attendees will get a follow-up email with access to the recorded version once it’s available.

Why It Matters for the Shop and the Road

This new rule could help fleets and repair shops get qualified techs up to speed faster without cutting corners. For drivers, it means more skilled hands keeping rigs safe and compliant, which keeps everyone rolling smoothly.

To register for the free ASE webinar, visit the official ASE Education Foundation webinar registration page.

Source: The Trucker

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Currently, federal rules require drivers to be 21 or older to haul interstate, while 18-year-olds can drive intrastate with a “K” restriction on their CDLs. This restriction has caused confusion and citations for U.S. Custom Harvesters’ younger drivers, even though they have been legally permitted to travel between states to cut crops.

“U.S. Custom Harvesters told the agency that the exemption ‘has provided custom harvesting businesses with much-needed employees and drivers and has directly contributed to the development of quality, responsible truck drivers for America’s highways.’”

Previously, the company had a two-year provisional exemption that expired on October 3, 2025. FMCSA has now extended the exemption for five years, allowing drivers under 21 to continue crossing state lines through October 3, 2030.
“FMCSA is not aware of any evidence showing that the exemption has resulted in any degradation in safety,” the agency wrote. “Interstate operations for custom harvester drivers younger than 21 have been allowed since 1971 … FMCSA reviewed crash and inspection data of drivers who have operated under the 2018 exemption. FMCSA does not have information to conclude that the 2018 exemption and subsequent renewal resulted in a degradation of safety. FMCSA concludes that renewing the exemption for five years will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be achieved without the exemption …”

This ruling ensures that young drivers who are gaining experience in custom harvesting operations can continue contributing to the agriculture industry while operating safely across multiple states, benefiting farmers, trucking companies, and the drivers themselves.

Source: Land Line Media

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Thousands of truck drivers delivering fireworks for July 4th celebrations will experience some relief from federal working-hour rules, thanks to an exemption granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

The exemption, effective from June 28 through July 8 each year until 2029, applies to approximately 44 private carriers and around 3,000 drivers. This temporary measure allows these drivers to bypass specific hours-of-service (HOS) limits and electronic logging device (ELD) requirements during the holiday period.

Under current regulations, drivers are prohibited from driving beyond the 14th hour following 10 consecutive hours off-duty, and they are required to track their time using ELDs. However, the exemption permits drivers to exclude off-duty and sleeper berth time from the calculation of the 14-hour driving limit. Additionally, they can use paper logs instead of ELDs to record their work hours.

This updated relief renews waivers that expired last year. FMCSA justified the exemption by stating, “The exemptions … will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved in the absence of the exemptions.”

Julie Heckman, Executive Director of the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA), supported the exemption, emphasizing its importance to Independence Day celebrations. “Without these exemptions, America’s traditional celebrations of Independence Day would be at risk, as there are no practical alternatives available for compliance,” Heckman stated in a request made on behalf of the APA’s members.

“The HOS requirements on small businesses should be modified for this limited time each year to permit this small number of fireworks carriers to conduct Independence Day fireworks displays while maintaining an equivalent level of safety on our highways and in our communities,” Heckman added. She pointed out that APA members have operated under similar exemptions for the past 20 years without incidents, injuries, or fatalities, demonstrating that safety will not be compromised.

Addressing Concerns About Safety Risks

While the exemption has been praised by many, it has also faced criticism. An anonymous public comment argued that the exemption could increase the risk of accidents involving hazardous materials, potentially leading to major incidents requiring a multi-agency response.

FMCSA addressed these concerns with a thorough review of the safety records of the 44 APA member companies covered under the exemption. The agency evaluated each carrier’s active USDOT registration, insurance coverage, and compliance with safety regulations.

“FMCSA reviewed its Motor Carrier Management Information System safety records, including inspection and crash reports submitted by state agencies. The motor carriers have ‘satisfactory’ safety ratings … and valid Hazardous Materials Safety Permits. Additionally, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration reviewed its own records and found no adverse data,” the FMCSA clarified in response to the concerns.

By ensuring these measures are in place, FMCSA aims to balance public safety with the logistical needs of organizing one of America’s most cherished holiday celebrations.

Source: Freightwaves

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