More Seizure-Prone Drivers Cleared for Interstate Trucking
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for seven truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines while on medication. These exemptions started April 15, 2026, and last until April 15, 2028. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 8, 2026, to speak up—no fees or extra costs involved!
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Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemptions Renewed for Seven Drivers
FMCSA renewed exemptions for seven named drivers — Robert Drake (MI), Jacoby Hitchcock (IA), Lance Johnson (TN), Anthony Martin (VA), Kevin Podman (IL), Bradley Scruggs (CA), and Mark Shirkey (IN) — allowing them to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce while taking anti-seizure medication. The exemptions are effective April 15, 2026 and expire April 15, 2028.
Annual Medical and Reporting Obligations
Each exempt driver must remain seizure-free, maintain stable treatment, and report a seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours. They must submit annual treating-physician reports and annual medical examinations by a certified medical examiner, provide or retain copies of medical certification, report crashes within 7 days, report disqualifying citations and convictions within 7 days, submit annual certified driving records, carry a copy of the exemption while driving, and meet all commercial driver's license testing requirements during the 2-year exemption period.
State Law Preemption for Exempted Drivers
During the exemption period (April 15, 2026 through April 15, 2028), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. The preemption protects these exempt drivers from conflicting state restrictions while the exemption is in effect.
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