Feds Let Drivers With Seizure Disorders Operate Big Rigs
Published Date: 1/15/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is giving 13 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines, as long as they take their medication and stay safe. These special permissions started on December 31, 2024, and last until the end of 2026. This change helps skilled drivers keep working without risking safety or breaking rules.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
13 Drivers Granted Interstate Driving Exemptions
FMCSA exempted 13 named commercial drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders from the FMCSR prohibition so they may operate interstate commercial motor vehicles beginning December 31, 2024 through December 31, 2026. Each granted driver has been seizure-free for between 21 years while on anti-seizure medication and maintained a stable treatment regimen for the last 2 years.
Federal Preemption Protects Exempt Drivers From Conflicting State Laws
While these exemptions are in effect (December 31, 2024 to December 31, 2026), no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with the federal exemption with respect to an exempted person operating under the exemption. This prevents state-level enforcement from interfering with the exempt drivers' ability to operate interstate during the exemption period.
Exemptions Require Ongoing Medical Compliance
Each exempted driver must remain seizure-free, maintain a stable treatment, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual treating-physician reports and annual medical examinations, provide annual certified driving records, report crashes within 7 days, and carry a copy of the exemption while driving during the 2-year exemption period.
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2025-00749, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs)
The FMCSA got requests from two people with special heart devices called ICDs who want to drive big commercial trucks across state lines. Normally, folks with certain heart problems can’t drive these trucks, but if these exemptions are approved, these drivers could hit the road again. You’ve got until February 14, 2025, to share your thoughts—no money changes yet, just a chance to speak up!