Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is letting 35 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, who take medication, legally drive commercial trucks across state lines. This change started on June 9, 2025, and lasts until June 9, 2027, giving these drivers a chance to work without breaking the rules. It’s a big win for qualified drivers who’ve been playing by the rules and want to keep on trucking safely!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
35 Drivers Allowed To Drive Interstate
FMCSA exempted 35 named drivers who take anti-seizure medication from the FMCSR epilepsy prohibition so they may operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce from June 9, 2025 through June 9, 2027. The agency found each applicant seizure-free for between 3 and 34 years and on a stable treatment regimen for the last 2 years.
State Laws Preempted For Exempted Drivers
While an exemption is in effect (June 9, 2025 to June 9, 2027), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under it. This protects the exempted drivers from state-level rules that would otherwise bar interstate driving.
Exemptions Can Be Revoked Early
Each 2-year exemption may be revoked earlier if the driver fails to comply with terms, if the exemption leads to a lower level of safety than before, or if continuation would conflict with the goals of applicable statutes. FMCSA will revoke an exemption in those circumstances.
Required Medical Reports and Exams
Each exempted driver must remain seizure-free, maintain stable treatment, submit annual physician reports to FMCSA, undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, and provide the medical certification to their employer or keep it if self-employed. They must also keep a copy of the exemption while driving.
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.
2026-20048, Hours of Service of Drivers; Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Exemption Renewal for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC
The FMCSA is giving Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC a temporary green light to let their truck drivers work longer shifts—up to 16 hours straight—when moving steel coils and scrap metal between company sites. They’re also allowed to keep using special trucks that don’t meet some usual safety rules, but only for steel coil hauling. This exemption runs from late September 2026 to March 2027, and the public can share their thoughts by the end of October.
2026-20046, Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Agri-Tech Aviation
The FMCSA said no to Agri-Tech Aviation’s request to let learner drivers operate commercial vehicles alone before getting their full license. They found it wouldn’t be as safe as current rules require. This means learner drivers still need a fully licensed driver riding shotgun, keeping roads safer for everyone.
2026-20043, Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Application for Exemption; Federation of Professional Truckers
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked to skip using electronic logging devices (ELDs) and keep paper logs instead. The government said no because ELDs keep everyone safer on the road. Truck drivers still need to use ELDs, so no changes or extra costs for now.
2026-19808, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from nine hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be allowed to drive commercial trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these drivers can get exemptions to work interstate, opening new job opportunities. The public can share their thoughts by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-19807, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 11 people who are hard of hearing or deaf to be allowed to drive big trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these folks can get behind the wheel and keep America moving! You have until October 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02137, Combined Notice of Filings
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission got several new filings about natural gas pipeline rates and refunds. These filings involve changes to negotiated rates and agreements for companies like Northern Border Pipeline and Equitrans, with some changes starting as soon as January 29, 2026. If you’re involved in these pipelines or energy trading, keep an eye on deadlines to comment by early February and watch for possible cost impacts.
Next: 2026-02141, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is giving 11 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. These special exemptions started on August 30, 2025, and last until August 30, 2027, helping qualified folks keep their wheels turning without breaking the bank. This change opens doors for drivers who play by the rules and manage their condition safely.