Five More Epileptic Haulers Cleared for Cross-State Cargo Runs
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for five truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to keep driving across state lines while on medication. These exemptions started November 6, 2025, and last until November 6, 2027. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until February 19, 2026, to speak up—no extra fees involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Five drivers allowed to keep driving
If you are one of the five named drivers (Brian Bommer (OH); Alex Hunter (SD); David Kietzman (WI); Marion Franklin Legg (MD); William Rainer (TX)), FMCSA renewed exemptions letting you operate interstate commercial motor vehicles while on anti-seizure medication. The exemptions are applicable November 6, 2025, and expire November 6, 2027, and may be renewed for additional 2-year periods.
Medical monitoring and reporting rules
If you hold one of these exemptions, you must remain seizure-free, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual treating-physician reports and an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, provide annual certified driving records, report crashes and disqualifying citations within 7 days, and keep a copy of the exemption while driving. Each exemption is valid for 2 years and remains subject to these ongoing conditions.
Federal preemption of conflicting state laws
While the exemptions are in effect (November 6, 2025 through November 6, 2027), no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with an exemption for a person operating under it. This protects exempt drivers from state rules that would otherwise prevent their interstate driving during the exemption period.
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.
2026-17340, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection: Non-Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form, MCSA-5872
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval and invites public comment. FMCSA requests approval to renew an ICR titled, "Non-Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form, MCSA-5872." This information collection (IC) is voluntary and may be utilized by certified medical examiners (MEs) responsible for issuing Medical Examiner's Certificates (MEC), Form MCSA-5876, to individuals diagnosed with non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus who operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). MEs choosing to use this IC will do so in an effort to communicate with treating healthcare providers who manage the diabetes care of individuals diagnosed with non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus who operate CMVs. The information obtained by MEs will assist them in determining if an individual diagnosed with non-insulin-treated diabetes mellitus meets FMCSA's physical qualification standards.
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.
2026-15430, 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.
2026-15414, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00973, Advisory Committee Charter Renewals
The Small Business Administration is renewing several important advisory committees for two more years, through January 26, 2028. These groups help guide SBA decisions on veterans, finances, underserved communities, and small business development. No new costs or changes in timing are expected—just a confident continuation of their valuable advice.
Next: 2026-00975, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 16 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to keep driving commercial 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, comments are open until February 19, 2026.