Feds Renew Deaf Truck Drivers' License to Haul Big Rigs Nationwide
Published Date: 3/27/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Two-year exemption renewed for six drivers
FMCSA renewed exemptions allowing six named hard-of-hearing or deaf drivers (Elder Berroa (PA); Chad D'Amore (PA); Sean Dearsman (OH); Joshua Drane (TX); Ervin Mitchell (TX); Quinton Murphy (WI)) to continue operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. The exemptions are applicable February 28, 2025 and expire February 28, 2027.
Ban on operating passenger motorcoach or bus interstate
Under the exemption's terms, each driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce for the 2-year exemption period.
Reporting, record, and compliance obligations
Each exempt driver must report any crashes as defined in Sec. 390.5T within 7 days, report citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days, submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver's Licensing Agency, carry a copy of the exemption while driving, and meet all applicable commercial driver's license testing requirements.
Federal preemption of conflicting State laws
While each exemption is in effect (February 28, 2025 through February 28, 2027 unless rescinded earlier), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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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.
Next: 2025-05254, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 25 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 renewals are active now and last until the dates listed, helping these drivers keep earning without extra costs or delays.