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 alerts at 60 days and 30 days. The certificate scan is stored on the driver record. The DQF completeness view includes medical certificate status as a §391.51(b) line item.