Section 391.41(a) requires every CMV driver to be physically qualified and to hold a medical examiner's certificate evidencing that qualification. The certificate must be issued by a medical examiner listed on the FMCSA National Registry under §391.43.
How long the certificate is valid
A medical certificate is valid for up to 24 months from the date of issue, though many are issued for shorter periods (12 months, 6 months, 3 months) when conditions warrant. Operate beyond the certificate expiration and you are operating in violation.
OOS criteria
A driver without a valid medical certificate is placed out of service.
How to prevent it
- Track medical certificate expiration explicitly — this is the second most common driver-fitness violation behind CDL expiration.
- Schedule the renewal exam before expiration, not on the day of.
- Keep a copy of the certificate on file or rely on the National Registry verification (depending on jurisdiction and CDL state).
- For self-certified non-CDL drivers, retain the long-form examination if applicable.
How Roadworthy HQ helps
Medical certificate expirations generate reminders at 90, 60, 30, and 7 days, and an alert once the certificate has lapsed. The certificate scan is stored on the driver record, and the DQF tab shows the medical certificate as present or missing.