Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
11 Drivers Cleared to Drive Interstate
FMCSA granted exemptions to 11 named individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce while taking anti-seizure medication. The exemptions are effective August 30, 2025, and expire August 30, 2027; the drivers had been seizure-free for between 8 and 33 years and maintained a stable medication regimen for the last 2 years.
Two-Year Term and Grounds for Revocation
Each exemption is valid for 2 years from the effective date (August 30, 2025 to August 30, 2027) and will be revoked if the person fails to comply with terms, if the exemption results in a lower level of safety, or if continuation would be inconsistent with statutory goals. FMCSA may revoke earlier if any of these conditions occur.
Strict Medical & Reporting Requirements
Each exempted driver must remain seizure-free, maintain stable treatment, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual treating-physician reports attesting to stability and being seizure-free, and undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner. Drivers must also provide/carry copies of medical certification or the exemption and meet all commercial driver's license testing requirements.
Crash/Citation Reporting Deadlines
Exempted drivers must report any crashes (as defined in Sec. 390.5T) to FMCSA within 7 days and report any citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 within 7 days. They must also submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver's Licensing Agency.
Federal Exemption Preempts Conflicting State Laws
While each exemption is in effect (August 30, 2025 through August 30, 2027), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. The exemption document must be carried for presentation to authorized enforcement officials.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02140, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
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!
Next: 2026-02142, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for six 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 breaking the usual no-seizure rule. These exemptions have specific expiration dates, so drivers and companies should keep an eye on those to stay compliant.