Six Deaf Truck Drivers Get Renewed Road Permissions from FMCSA
Published Date: 7/24/2025
Notice
Summary
FMCSA is renewing special permission for six hard of hearing or deaf drivers to keep driving big trucks across state lines. This means these drivers can stay on the road safely without meeting the usual hearing rules. The decision helps keep good drivers working without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Hearing Exemptions Renewed for Six Drivers
FMCSA renewed exemptions for six hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals so they may continue to operate commercial motor vehicles (big trucks) in interstate commerce without meeting the FMCSRs hearing requirement. This decision lets those six drivers keep driving across state lines and continue working under the renewed exemption.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-20649, Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption
The FMCSA is giving Alaska drivers with a commercial learner’s permit or license a one-year pass to use a paper medical certificate for up to 60 days, since Alaska hasn’t switched to the new electronic system yet. Drivers in all other states must stop using paper proof starting October 12, 2026. This temporary change helps Alaska drivers and their employers stay compliant without extra costs or hassle for the next year.
2026-20524, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Split Sleeper Berth Time
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program to see if truck drivers can split their required rest time in the sleeper berth to improve their work-life balance without risking safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, which could lead to more flexible driving rules. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, and the results might change how drivers manage their hours, possibly saving time and boosting safety.
2026-20476, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Pause Their 14-Hour Driving Window
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program letting truck drivers pause their 14-hour driving window for up to 3 hours at cargo stops to see if it improves their work-life balance without hurting safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, helping the agency gather data on driver fatigue and performance. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, so the public can weigh in before it moves forward.
2026-20325, Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration
The FMCSA is extending emergency relief from 14 days to 30 days after a state or FMCSA declares a regional emergency. This change helps truck drivers and companies get more time to respond during emergencies without extra paperwork. The new rule kicks in on October 5, 2026, and anyone wanting to challenge it must act by November 4, 2026.
2026-20048, Hours of Service of Drivers; Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Exemption Renewal for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC
The FMCSA is giving Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC a temporary green light to let their truck drivers work longer shifts—up to 16 hours straight—when moving steel coils and scrap metal between company sites. They’re also allowed to keep using special trucks that don’t meet some usual safety rules, but only for steel coil hauling. This exemption runs from late September 2026 to March 2027, and the public can share their thoughts by the end of October.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13975, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is giving 11 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive big trucks across state lines, even though the usual rules say they can’t. These folks have shown they can safely drive while on their seizure meds. This change helps them keep working without extra costs or delays.
Next: 2025-13977, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA got requests from 11 people who are hard of hearing or deaf, asking to skip the hearing test to drive big trucks across state lines. If approved, these folks can legally drive commercial vehicles despite their hearing challenges. This could open new job opportunities without extra costs or delays for them or the industry.