FMCSA Rejects Heart Device Users' Bids for Big Rig Driving
Published Date: 5/5/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA said no to two drivers with Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs) who wanted special permission to drive big commercial trucks across state lines. This means folks with certain heart conditions still can’t get exemptions to drive these vehicles. The decision keeps safety first, with no changes to rules or costs right now.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
ICD-treated Drivers’ Exemptions Denied
If you have an implanted cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) and wanted permission to drive large commercial trucks across state lines, the FMCSA denied two exemption requests. The applicants were treated with ICDs and had asked for relief from federal rules that bar people with diagnoses such as myocardial infarction (heart attack), angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or other cardiovascular diseases known to be accompanied by syncope (fainting), dyspnea (shortness of breath), collapse, or congestive heart failure from operating interstate commercial motor vehicles.
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