Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA has renewed special permissions for 17 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on anti-seizure meds. This means qualified drivers who manage their condition safely can continue working without interruption. These exemptions have specific start and end dates, so drivers and companies should stay aware to keep things rolling smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
17 Drivers Allowed to Keep Driving
FMCSA renewed 2-year exemptions allowing 17 named commercial drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles while taking anti-seizure medication. Ten drivers’ exemptions were effective May 15, 2025 and expire May 15, 2027; seven drivers’ exemptions were effective May 24, 2025 and expire May 24, 2027.
Exemptions Can Be Revoked for Noncompliance
Each exemption is valid for 2 years but may be revoked earlier if the driver fails to comply with the terms, if the exemption leads to a lower level of safety, or if continuation would conflict with statutory goals; revocation would remove the exemption and could end the driver's interstate driving authority.
Ongoing Medical and Reporting Requirements
To keep their exemptions, each driver must remain seizure-free, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual treating-physician reports and an annual medical exam, provide certified annual driving records from their State Driver Licensing Agency, and give employers a copy of the annual medical certification for the driver's qualification file.
States Can't Enforce Conflicting Laws
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce laws or regulations that conflict with that exemption for the person operating under it, protecting the driver’s ability to operate interstate during the exemption period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Next: 2026-02147, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA has renewed special permissions for 13 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on anti-seizure meds. This means qualified drivers who manage their condition safely can continue working without interruption. These exemptions have specific expiration dates, so drivers and companies should stay aware to keep things rolling smoothly.