2026 FMCSA Changes Every Driver Needs to Know

New year, new regulations. Here’s what’s changing:

Already in Effect:

  • Paper medical cards gone (June 2025) - Your certification is now verified through your state MVR only
  • State CDL downgrades for Clearinghouse violations - States are now required to downgrade your CDL if you have unresolved violations

Coming in 2026:

  • Medical certification verification (Jan 2026) - Employers must verify through MVR, not physical cards
  • ELD device compliance (Feb 2026) - Several devices removed from approved list - check yours!

What This Means for You:

  1. Make sure your state has your current medical info
  2. Check your Clearinghouse status regularly
  3. Verify your ELD is still on the approved list
  4. Keep your own records even though everything’s “digital” now

Heard about other changes coming? Share below :backhand_index_pointing_down:

Stay compliant with Vertical Identity’s DOT Consortium - we track all this stuff so you don’t have to.