FMCSA Issues Temporary Waiver to Support NRII Transition: What You Need to Know
If you’re a commercial driver, a fleet manager, or anyone dealing with DOT compliance, you should be aware there’s been an important update relating to the transition to the Medical Examiner's Certification Integration (NRII) final rule.
On Monday, July 14, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) granted a temporary waiver, which allows interstate commercial driver's license (CDL) holders, commercial learner's permit (CLP) holders, and motor carriers to continue relying on paper copies of medical examiner's certificates as proof of drivers' medical certification for up to 15 days after the date the certificate is issued.
Key Points of the Waiver
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Temporary Waiver: The waiver is in effect until October 12, 2025, giving stakeholders time to adjust to the new NRII system.
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Continued Use of Paper Certificates: Motor carriers can continue to accept paper medical examiner's certificates for up to 15 days after issuance.
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Recommendation to Medical Examiners: FMCSA recommends that certified medical examiners continue issuing paper medical examiner's certificates in addition to submitting results electronically during the transition period.
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Purpose of the Waiver: The waiver aims to prevent undue hardship on drivers and employers due to delays in the transition from the paper-based process to the electronic transmission of medical certification information.
Understanding NRII
The Medical Examiner's Certification Integration (NRII) final rule is designed to enhance the secure, electronic transmission of driver medical certification information between certified medical examiners and State Driver's Licensing Agencies. This transition is part of a broader effort to improve safety and efficiency in the commercial driving industry.
Note: At the time the temporary waiver was granted, July 14, 2025, several states had not yet implemented NRII, including Alaska, California, Florida, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Vermont, Wyoming. In states that have not implemented NRII, the medical examiner must continue to issue drivers the original/paper Medical Examiner’s Certificate, Form MCSA-5876, and drivers need to submit the form to the SDLAs.
Implications for Fleet Managers
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Compliance: Ensure that your operations remain compliant with FMCSA regulations during the transition period
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Driver Management: Be aware that drivers with valid medical certification should not be negatively impacted by delays outside their control.
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Record Keeping: Continue to maintain accurate records of medical examiner's certificates, both paper and electronic.
Related Foley Blog Article: The Ultimate Guide to DOT Medical Card Compliance
By understanding the implications of the FMCSA's temporary waiver and the ongoing transition to NRII, fleet managers can better navigate the changes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additional Resources
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The information contained herein is for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult with their own legal counsel before acting on any information provided herein.
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