Feds Renew Exemptions Letting Deaf Drivers Haul Interstate Freight Loads
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 15 hard of hearing and deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. This keeps opportunities open for these drivers without changing any rules or costs. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by December 29, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
15 Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Drivers Kept Driving
FMCSA renewed exemptions allowing 15 named hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals to continue operating interstate commercial motor vehicles. The renewals were applicable in October 2025 (dates listed below) and each exemption is valid for a 2-year period (expiring on the same calendar date in 2027).
Renewals Come With Reporting And Use Limits
Each renewed exemption is valid for 2 years and requires drivers to report any crashes, citations, and convictions to FMCSA within 7 days, submit annual certified driving records, carry a copy of the exemption while driving, meet CDL testing requirements, and prohibits operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. FMCSA may rescind an exemption early for noncompliance, safety problems, or inconsistency with statutory goals.
Federal Exemption Blocks Conflicting State Rules
While each exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption for a person operating under it. That protection lasts for the 2-year exemption period unless FMCSA rescinds the exemption earlier.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 18 hard of hearing and deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. These renewals keep the roads open for skilled drivers who don’t meet the usual hearing rules. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until October 28, 2026, to speak up—no extra costs or changes for drivers, just continued chances to drive!
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