Feds Renew Licenses for 15 Epileptic Big-Rig Truck Drivers
Published Date: 3/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 15 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on anti-seizure meds. This keeps safe, experienced drivers on the road without breaking the rules. If you want to share your thoughts, send comments by April 28, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
15 Drivers Allowed to Keep Driving Interstate
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 15 individual commercial drivers who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication, allowing them to continue operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Eight of these exemptions became applicable on February 3, 2025 and expire February 3, 2027; the other seven became applicable on February 28, 2025 and expire February 28, 2027.
New Compliance Rules for Exempt Drivers
Each exempt driver must remain seizure-free, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual reports from their treating physician, undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, provide or keep copies of medical certification, report crashes within 7 days, report citations/convictions within 7 days, submit annual certified driving records, carry a copy of the exemption while driving, and meet all CDL testing requirements. Each exemption is valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier for noncompliance or safety reasons.
Federal Exemption Overrides Conflicting State Rules
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption as to a person operating under it. This legal preemption applies during each 2‑year exemption period.
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Department and Agencies
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