Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Six Drivers Renewed Exemptions to Drive
FMCSA renewed 2-year exemptions allowing six named drivers to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce while taking anti-seizure medication. Joel Clapper (MI), Ryan Freedman (MI), Todd Hines (OH), Harold Seaton (KY), and Thomas Smutnik (PA) had exemptions effective March 17, 2025 that expire March 17, 2027; Spencer William (OH) had an exemption effective March 31, 2025 that expires March 31, 2027. These exemptions let those individuals continue driving across state lines despite the usual rule prohibiting drivers with a diagnosis of epilepsy or similar seizure conditions.
Medical and Reporting Rules for Exempt Drivers
Each exempt driver must remain seizure-free and follow specific medical and reporting rules during the 2-year exemption. Rules include reporting a seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submitting annual treating-physician reports and an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, providing the annual medical certification to the employer or keeping it if self-employed, reporting crashes within 7 days, reporting disqualifying citations and convictions within 7 days, and submitting annual certified driving records from the State Driver Licensing Agency.
Federal Exemptions Override Conflicting State Laws
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption with respect to a person operating under it. For these drivers, that federal preemption applies during their exemption periods (through March 17, 2027 for five drivers and through March 31, 2027 for one driver), protecting them from state rules that would otherwise prevent interstate driving under the exemption.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
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