Epileptic Truckers Get Green Light to Roll On Despite Seizure Risks
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
16 Drivers Kept on the Road
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 16 named commercial drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, allowing them to keep operating interstate commercial motor vehicles while taking anti-seizure medication. Each exemption is a renewable 2-year authorization: 11 drivers' exemptions are effective December 5, 2025 and expire December 5, 2027; 4 drivers' exemptions are effective December 16, 2025 and expire December 16, 2027; 1 driver's exemption is effective December 23, 2025 and expires December 23, 2027.
Monitoring and Reporting Conditions
Each exempted driver must remain seizure-free, maintain stable treatment, and follow record and reporting rules: report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours; submit annual treating-physician reports and annual medical exams; provide a copy of medical certification to their employer or keep it if self-employed; report crashes, citations, and convictions to FMCSA within 7 days; and submit annual certified driving records to FMCSA.
Federal Preemption During Exemption
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to the exempted person, protecting their ability to operate interstate during the exemption period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-00974, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
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!
Next: 2026-00977, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Transportation Project in Georgia
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