Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Published Date: 1/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 12 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on medication. These exemptions start January 30, 2026, and last until January 30, 2028. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until March 2, 2026, to comment—no extra costs involved, just safer roads and fair chances!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
12 Drivers Granted 2‑Year Exemptions
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 12 named commercial drivers, allowing them to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) despite the FMCSR prohibition on epilepsy and seizure disorders. The exemptions are effective January 30, 2026 and expire January 30, 2028; the 12 drivers are listed with their States of record in the notice.
Ongoing Medical Reporting Requirements
Each exempted driver must remain seizure-free, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual physician attestations and annual medical examinations, provide annual certified driving records, report crashes within 7 days, and report certain citations or convictions within 7 days. These conditions must be met for the exemption to remain valid during the two-year period.
Federal Preemption While Exempt
While the exemptions are in effect (January 30, 2026 to January 30, 2028), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. That protection applies for the duration of each individual's exemption unless it is rescinded earlier.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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