04/16/2020
In line with temporary extensions granted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), all Washington state commercial driver licenses (CDLs) expiring on or after March 1 have been extended through June 30, 2020. The governor's signing of Proclamation 20-48 this week means non-domiciled CDLs and CDLs with a hazmat endorsement are included.
Also, certain statutory barriers for renewing or extending CDLs and commercial learner permits (CLPs) have been temporarily waived:
• Through May 14, 2020, DOL will not downgrade any CDL holder that had a valid medical certification that was issued for a period of 90 days or longer that expired on or after March 1. DOL will update the records of drivers with a downgraded status that meet these requirements as soon as possible.
• All valid CLPs that expired on or after March 1 have been extended to June 30, 2020. This includes non-domiciled CLPs.
• Through May 14, any valid CLP holder who has evidence of successfully passing their CDL skills test in their possession may operate that specific type of vehicle without a CDL holder in the front seat of the vehicle, provided the CDL holder is somewhere in the cab.
• Through May 14, drivers with a valid CLP are not required to wait 14 days after the CLP issuance to take a skills test.
Note: FMCSA waived federal medical certificate requirements through June 30. However, the governor may waive statutes for only 30 days at a time during an emergency. DOL plans to seek the proclamation extensions necessary to give CDL drivers the full benefit of the federal waiver.
Questions? Please call 360-902-3900 or email [email protected].
Thank you for your patience during this challenging time.