Thousands of commercial vehicle drivers will need to retake their medical exams before May 10, 2025, after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) uncovered serious irregularities in evaluations conducted by two chiropractors from the Houston area.

The investigation — involving the Department of Transportation (DOT), the FBI, and the Department of Homeland Security — concluded that the examiners failed to properly apply the federal standards required to determine the physical fitness of truck operators. As a result, over 15,000 medical certificates issued between March 2023 and March 2025 have been invalidated.

Although drivers can continue operating temporarily, they must complete a new medical exam before the deadline. Otherwise, state authorities will begin the process of downgrading or suspending their Commercial Driver´s Licenses (CDLs).

Since 2014, only certified physicians registered with the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) are authorized to perform these examinations. To avoid penalties, drivers must ensure that the professional they choose is properly accredited.

In California, drivers can use the NRCME portal to locate an authorized examiner nearby. It´s also advisable to review the updated requirements on the California DMV website.

This case highlights the importance of choosing reliable and properly registered professionals. A poor choice can put not only a driver´s safety at risk but also their career future.