Feds Renew Exemptions for 11 Epileptic Drivers of Big Trucks
Published Date: 12/5/2025
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
11 Drivers Allowed To Keep Driving
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 11 commercial drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders so they may continue to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles while on anti‑seizure medication. Seven of the renewals were applicable on October 4, 2025 and expire on October 4, 2027; four were applicable on October 22, 2025 and expire on October 22, 2027.
Exemptions Are Two-Year Renewals And Can Be Rescinded
FMCSA issues these exemptions for renewable 2‑year periods (to align with medical certificates) but will rescind an exemption earlier if a driver fails to comply with terms, if safety is reduced, or if continuation conflicts with statutory goals. Exemptions in this notice expire October 4, 2027 or October 22, 2027 for the listed drivers.
Medical Monitoring And Reporting Requirements
To keep the exemption, each driver must remain seizure‑free, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual treating‑physician reports, undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, and provide annual certified driving records. Drivers must also report crashes within 7 days and report citations/convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days.
Federal Exemption Preempts Conflicting State Law
While an exemption is in effect, a State may not enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption for a person operating under it. The stated exemptions run through October 4, 2027 or October 22, 2027 for the listed drivers.
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