Deaf Drivers Renewed to Haul Freight Across State Lines
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
23 Drivers Kept Eligible To Drive Interstate
FMCSA renewed exemptions allowing 23 hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals to continue operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce despite not meeting the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). The notice lists group effective periods including March 3, 2025–March 3, 2027; March 10, 2025–March 10, 2027; March 13, 2025–March 13, 2027; and March 19, 2025–March 19, 2027.
Ban On Driving Passenger Motorcoaches Interstate
As a condition of the exemptions, drivers are prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce while the exemption is in effect.
Two-Year Exemption Period And Revocation Rules
FMCSA issues these medical exemptions for a 2-year period to align with the medical certificate; each exemption will be valid for 2 years from its effective date (e.g., March 3, 2025–March 3, 2027) unless revoked earlier for noncompliance, a resulting lower level of safety, or inconsistency with statutory goals.
Mandatory Reporting And Record Rules
Drivers granted the exemptions must report to FMCSA any crashes (as defined in Sec. 390.5T) within 7 days, report any citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days, and submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver's Licensing Agency.
Carry Exemption And Meet CDL Requirements
Each driver must have a copy of the exemption when driving and must meet all applicable commercial driver's license (CDL) testing requirements while operating under the exemption.
Federal Preemption During Exemption Period
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the federal exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-11491 — 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 work as commercial drivers, opening new job chances. You’ve got until July 9, 2026, to share your thoughts, and this could change who gets behind the wheel and when.
2026-11488 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is giving 14 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. These special permissions started on April 6, 2026, and last until April 6, 2028, helping skilled drivers keep rolling safely. This move shows trust in medical progress and opens doors for qualified drivers who once faced strict limits.
2026-11487 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 28 hard of hearing and deaf truck drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. This means these drivers can continue working without changing the hearing rules for everyone else. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 9, 2026, to speak up—no extra costs or changes for most folks!
2026-11489 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 38 hard of hearing or deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines despite the usual hearing rules. These renewals keep things rolling safely without extra costs or delays. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by July 9, 2026!
2026-11059 — Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Truck-Lite Co. LLC
Truck-Lite Co. LLC got the green light to let trucks use special flashing amber brake lights along with the regular steady ones for the next five years. This change aims to keep trucks just as safe, if not safer, on the road. Truck drivers and companies can start using these new lights from May 29, 2026, through June 3, 2031, with no extra costs announced.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21429 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
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.
Next: 2025-21431 — Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Quantifying the Benefits of Creating New Truck Parking Spaces
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration wants to learn how adding new truck parking spots helps truck drivers. They’re asking about 1,000 drivers to share their parking struggles and figure out the money benefits of more spaces. If you have thoughts, speak up by January 27, 2026—this could lead to better parking and smoother trips for truckers everywhere!