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.
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.
2026-16288, 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.
2026-15414, 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.
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.
2026-15431, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption Renewal From Charles Machine Works, Inc.
FMCSA withdraws its January 16, 2026, notice that requested public comment on an application from Charles Machine Works, Inc. (CMW) seeking renewal of a five-year exemption from the Agency's prohibition against the use of gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). FMCSA has determined that the Agency's February 19, 2026, final rule titled "Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Auxiliary Fuel Tanks," provided the requested relief by amending the relevant regulation in a way that resolves the concerns outlined in CMW's original exemption request. Consequently, the exemption is now unnecessary, not only for CMW but also for any other entities that might have planned to request an exemption from the prohibition on gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on CMVs.
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.