Epileptics Cleared to Haul Freight: FMCSA's Risky Road Call
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for six truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to keep driving across state lines while on medication. These exemptions started August 13, 2025, and last until August 13, 2027. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until January 5, 2026, to speak up—no extra costs involved, just a chance to have your say!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Six Drivers Granted 2-Year Exemptions
FMCSA renewed exemptions allowing six named commercial drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles from August 13, 2025 through August 13, 2027. The six individuals are Diego DaSilva (MA), Jaime Dougherty (MN), Jeffrey Douglass (ME), Derek Jazdzewski (WI), Kevin Wiggins (KY), and Stephen Wilson (PA).
Federal Preemption While Exempt
While an exemption is in effect (August 13, 2025 to August 13, 2027 for these drivers), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. The exemption remains valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA.
Ongoing Medical and Reporting Conditions
Each renewed exemption requires the driver to remain seizure‑free, maintain stable treatment, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual treating‑physician reports and an annual medical exam, provide copies of medical certification for their qualification file, report crashes and disqualifying citations/convictions within 7 days, and submit annual certified driving records. Noncompliance can lead to rescission of 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.
2026-10341 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permission for 14 hard of hearing and deaf drivers to keep driving big trucks across state lines until May 15, 2028. 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 June 22, 2026, to speak up!
2026-10345 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 12 hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be exempt from the usual hearing rules to drive commercial trucks across state lines. If approved, these drivers can hit the road legally, boosting opportunities without compromising safety. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees involved, just your voice!
2026-09943 — Fees for Commercial Driver's License Information System
The FMCSA wants to start charging State driver agencies a fee to use the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), which helps keep track of commercial driver licenses. These fees will be collected by AAMVA, the group that runs CDLIS. If you’re part of a State agency, get ready for this change and send your thoughts by June 17, 2026!
2026-09633 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection: Request for Revocation of Authority Granted
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is renewing a form that lets motor carriers, freight forwarders, and property brokers cancel their operating authority if they want. This renewal keeps the process easy and official, with no new fees or big changes. If you’re involved, make sure to share your thoughts by July 13, 2026!
2026-09622 — Commercial Driver's License: State of Hawaii Department of Transportation; Application for Exemption
The Hawaii Department of Transportation asked for a special rule to let certain Pacific Island residents get regular commercial driver’s licenses in Hawaii. The government said yes—but only for a special kind of license that lasts five years and is for people from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau who live in the U.S. This change starts May 14, 2026, and helps keep roads safe without extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21972 — Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a new info collection about composting and food waste reduction projects. Local governments wanting grant money must provide details to prove they qualify. Comments are open until January 5, 2026, so folks can help shape how this info is gathered without making it too hard or costly.
Next: 2025-21974 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 13 truck drivers who have epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines while on medication. This means these drivers can continue working safely without losing their jobs. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until January 5, 2026, to speak up!