Seizure-Prone Drivers Cleared for Big Rigs: FMCSA's Risky Call
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 means these drivers can continue working safely without losing their jobs. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until January 5, 2026, to comment.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Eleven Drivers Kept on the Road
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 11 interstate commercial drivers who have epilepsy or seizure disorders so they may continue driving CMVs while taking anti-seizure medication. Nine drivers’ exemptions are effective September 10, 2025 and expire September 10, 2027; two drivers’ exemptions are effective September 30, 2025 and expire September 30, 2027.
Strict Medical and Reporting Conditions
Each renewed exemption requires drivers to remain seizure-free, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual treating-physician reports and annual medical exams, provide certified driving records, report crashes and disqualifying citations within 7 days, and carry a copy of the exemption while driving. Failure to comply can lead to rescission of the 2‑year exemption.
Federal Exemption Preempts Conflicting State Law
While an individual is operating under these FMCSA exemptions, no State may enforce laws or regulations that conflict with the exemption with respect to that person. The exemptions remain valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier.
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.
2026-16288, English Language Proficiency; Out of Service Criteria
The FMCSA wants to make sure truck drivers who don’t speak English well enough can be taken out of service to keep roads safer. This change affects all commercial drivers and aligns rules with current safety checks, making enforcement clearer and fairer. Comments on this proposal are open until October 9, 2026, with no new costs expected for drivers or companies.
2026-15760, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection Request: Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The FMCSA is renewing its approval to keep running the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a system that helps track drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol. This affects nearly 10 million drivers, employers, and related groups, ensuring safety by making sure drivers complete the return-to-duty process before getting back on the road. Comments on this renewal are open until September 3, 2026, with no new fees involved.
2026-15414, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Transit Solutions, LLC
FMCSA requests public comments on an application for exemption submitted by Transit Solutions, LLC (dba TSI Video) to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) equipped with TSI's ClearView E-Mirror camera monitor system (CMS) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request and such notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15430, Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers: Precision Fireworks LLC; Application for Exemption
FMCSA requests public comment on Precision Fireworks LLC's (Precision) application for exemption from the HOS requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must not drive following the 14th hour after coming on duty. FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request. This notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15431, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption Renewal From Charles Machine Works, Inc.
FMCSA withdraws its January 16, 2026, notice that requested public comment on an application from Charles Machine Works, Inc. (CMW) seeking renewal of a five-year exemption from the Agency's prohibition against the use of gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). FMCSA has determined that the Agency's February 19, 2026, final rule titled "Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Auxiliary Fuel Tanks," provided the requested relief by amending the relevant regulation in a way that resolves the concerns outlined in CMW's original exemption request. Consequently, the exemption is now unnecessary, not only for CMW but also for any other entities that might have planned to request an exemption from the prohibition on gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on CMVs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21976, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Extension: Rule 204-5
The SEC is asking to keep the rule that makes investment advisers give a clear, easy-to-understand summary to retail investors before starting work together. This helps people make smart choices about who manages their money. About 10,050 advisers spend time and money on this, and the public can comment on the rule extension until January 5, 2026.
Next: 2025-21978, Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants your thoughts on their plan to collect some info from the public. This is part of a routine check to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much of a hassle. If you have ideas on how to make this easier or clearer, speak up by February 3, 2026!