Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
Published Date: 1/15/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 13 hard of hearing and deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. These exemptions mean they don’t have to meet the usual hearing rules but still follow all other safety laws. The renewed permissions have specific start and end dates, so affected drivers should keep an eye on those to stay legal and keep rolling.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
13 Hearing-Impaired Drivers Kept Driving
FMCSA renewed exemptions allowing 13 hard-of-hearing and deaf individuals to keep operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce even though they do not meet the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). The renewals were applicable on December 16, 2024; December 22, 2024; and December 30, 2024 and each exemption expires two years after its applicable date (December 16, 2026; December 22, 2026; December 30, 2026).
Two-Year Term and Revocation Rules
Each renewed exemption is valid for 2 years from its effective date and will be revoked earlier if the person fails to follow the exemption terms, the exemption causes a lower level of safety, or continuation would conflict with 49 U.S.C. 31136, chapter 313, or the FMCSRs. These conditions govern the continued legal ability of the exempted drivers to operate CMVs in interstate commerce during the two-year period.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-18628, Notice of Lodging of Proposed Stipulation and Order of Settlement Under the Toxic Substances Control Act
2026-18754, Request for Information on Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste (SW-846), Waste Sampling and Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Testing
EPA updates test methods and waste sampling guidance as part of routine updates according to the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA). To aid in the implementation of these directives, the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) within the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requests information on SW-846 method experiences, needs, and requirements. ORCR is specifically interested in information on the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) Method 1311, including method challenges, and alternatives. Information is welcome from stakeholders involved in requesting, performing, and evaluating the results from SW-846 methods including, but not limited to, industry stakeholders, researchers, academia, state, Tribal, and local governments. This includes U.S. territories and the District of Columbia, other federal agencies, community groups, non-governmental organizations, the public, and international organizations. The EPA will use the information received in response to this request for information (RFI) to inform what action, if any, it may take.
2026-18656, Self-Regulatory Organizations; NYSE National, Inc.; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of Proposed Rule Change To Add a New Partial Cabinet Solution Bundle as Part of Its Co-Location Services
2026-18709, Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension, Without Change, of a Currently Approved Collection: Application for Employment Authorization for Abused Nonimmigrant Spouse
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to comment upon this proposed extension. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the information collection notice is published in the Federal Register to obtain comments regarding the nature of the information collection, the categories of respondents, the estimated burden (i.e., the time, effort, and resources used by the respondents to respond), the estimated cost to the respondent, and the actual information collection instruments.
2026-18745, Agency Forms Undergoing Paperwork Reduction Act Review
2026-18650, Self-Regulatory Organizations; BOX Exchange LLC; Notice of Filing and Immediate Effectiveness of a Proposed Rule Change To Amend SAIL Order Entry Port Fees
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-00745, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA has given 16 hard of hearing and deaf drivers a special pass to drive big trucks across state lines without needing to pass the usual hearing test. This change started on December 24, 2024, and lasts until December 24, 2026. It opens new job opportunities for these drivers without extra costs or delays.
Next: 2025-00747, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for eight drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. This means folks who’ve had seizures but are managing their condition safely can keep working without breaking the rules. These renewals have specific start and end dates, so drivers and companies should keep an eye on those to stay compliant.