13 Truckers with Epilepsy Get Renewed Exemptions to Drive Semis
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
13 Drivers Kept on the Road
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 13 named truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, allowing them to continue operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce while taking anti-seizure medication. The renewals were effective July 5, July 12, and July 30, 2025 and each exemption expires two years later on July 5, July 12, or July 30, 2027.
Strict Medical and Reporting Conditions
Each renewed exemption is subject to specific conditions: drivers must remain seizure-free, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual physician reports and an annual medical exam, provide a copy of medical certification to their employer (or keep one if self-employed), report crashes within 7 days, report citations/convictions within 7 days, and submit annual certified driving records. Drivers must carry a copy of the exemption when driving and meet all commercial driver's license testing requirements; each exemption is valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier.
Federal Exemption Overrides Conflicting State Laws
While an FMCSA exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption for the person operating under it. This means the exempted drivers are protected from state-level rules that would otherwise bar them from driving during the stated 2-year exemption periods.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21973, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
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!
Next: 2025-21975, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 11 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on medication. This update affects drivers who’ve had seizures but are medically stable, helping them keep their jobs safely. Comments on this decision are open until January 5, 2026, so speak up if you have thoughts!