Virginia asks FMCSA for power to extend the validity of expiring CDLs during emergencies

The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (VA DMV) asked federal transportation authorities for the authority to extend the validity of Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) during declared emergencies.

In a Notice to be published June 17, VA DMV petitioned the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for an exemption that would allow Virginia to extend the validity of CDLs and Commercial Learner’s Permits (CLPs) during state-declared emergencies, such as severe weather events or natural disasters.

The VA DMV specifically requested the exemption to extend the validity of CDLs and CLPs for up to 90 days after the Virginia Governor declares a state of emergency or issues an executive order expressly authorizing extensions of CDLs and CLPs. 

Virginia officials are requesting the exemption because severe weather and other emergencies can result in reduced assess to DMV facilities and services, “which may prevent otherwise qualified commercial drivers from completing timely renewals through no fault of their own.”

VA DMV argues that “commercial drivers may face the loss of driving privileges due to circumstances beyond their control, which may result in workforce shortages and disruptions to the transportation of essential goods and services, particularly during emergency response and recovery efforts.”

The exemption would not apply to non-domiciled CDLs or CLPs.

FMCSA will accept public comments on the exemption request after it is published in the Federal Register on June 17.