32 Epileptics Seek Federal Nod to Drive Interstate Big Trucks
Published Date: 3/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is reviewing requests from 32 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders who want permission to drive commercial trucks across state lines. If approved, these drivers—who take seizure medicine—could get special exemptions to work legally and safely. The agency is asking the public to share their thoughts soon, so decisions can be made without delay.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
32 Truck Drivers Seek Epilepsy Exemptions
If you are one of the 32 named applicants, FMCSA has received your request to be exempted from the rule that bars people with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or conditions likely to cause loss of consciousness from driving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemption would allow these individuals—many of whom take anti-seizure medication and have documented seizure-free dates—to operate CMVs across state lines, and FMCSA typically grants medical exemptions for a 2-year period (and may renew them).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2025-05251, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 19 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on medication. This means these drivers, who might have been stopped before, can continue working safely and legally. These renewals have specific start and end dates, so drivers and companies should keep an eye on those to stay compliant.
Next: 2025-05253, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permission for six hard of hearing or deaf drivers to keep driving big trucks across state lines until February 28, 2027. This means these drivers can continue working without meeting the usual hearing rules. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until April 28, 2025, to comment.