Deaf Truckers Cleared to Haul Freight Across State Lines
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA has renewed special permissions for 17 hard of hearing and deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines despite not meeting the usual hearing rules. These exemptions help skilled drivers stay on the road safely without extra costs or delays. The renewed permissions have specific start and end dates, so affected drivers should keep an eye on their expiration.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
17 Drivers Allowed to Keep Driving
FMCSA renewed exemptions allowing 17 hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles despite not meeting the hearing standard. Fifteen drivers’ exemptions were effective April 21, 2025 and expire April 21, 2027; two drivers’ exemptions were effective April 26, 2025 and expire April 26, 2027.
State Laws Preempted During Exemption
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption for that exempt driver. This protection lasts for the 2-year exemption period (for these drivers, through April 21 or April 26, 2027 as applicable).
Reporting and Record Conditions
Drivers granted these exemptions must report any crashes (as defined in Sec. 390.5T) and any citations or convictions for disqualifying offenses to FMCSA within 7 days, and must submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver's Licensing Agency. They must also carry a copy of the exemption when driving and meet all commercial driver's license testing requirements.
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.
2026-20048, 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.
2026-20046, Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Agri-Tech Aviation
The FMCSA said no to Agri-Tech Aviation’s request to let learner drivers operate commercial vehicles alone before getting their full license. They found it wouldn’t be as safe as current rules require. This means learner drivers still need a fully licensed driver riding shotgun, keeping roads safer for everyone.
2026-20043, Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Application for Exemption; Federation of Professional Truckers
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked to skip using electronic logging devices (ELDs) and keep paper logs instead. The government said no because ELDs keep everyone safer on the road. Truck drivers still need to use ELDs, so no changes or extra costs for now.
2026-19808, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from nine hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be allowed to drive commercial trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these drivers can get exemptions to work interstate, opening new job opportunities. The public can share their thoughts by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-19807, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 11 people who are hard of hearing or deaf to be allowed to drive big trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these folks can get behind the wheel and keep America moving! You have until October 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21428, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 18 hard of hearing and deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. This means these drivers can continue working without having to meet the usual hearing rules. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until December 29, 2025, to speak up—no extra costs or changes for most folks.
Next: 2025-21430, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 23 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 stay safe on the road. The renewed permissions have specific start and end dates, so affected drivers should keep an eye on those to stay legal and keep earning.