Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
13 Drivers Renewed to Keep Driving
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 13 named interstate truck drivers who have epilepsy or seizure disorders so they may continue to operate commercial motor vehicles while taking anti-seizure medication. Eight drivers’ exemptions were applicable June 10, 2025 and expire June 10, 2027; five drivers’ exemptions were applicable June 21, 2025 and expire June 21, 2027.
Exemption Compliance Requirements
If you hold one of these exemptions, you must remain seizure-free and report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours during the 2-year exemption; submit annual treating-physician reports and an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner; provide the medical certificate to your employer or keep it in your file if self-employed; report crashes and disqualifying citations or convictions to FMCSA within 7 days; and submit annual certified driving records. You must carry a copy of the exemption when driving and meet all CDL testing requirements.
Federal Preemption While Exempted
While an individual exemption is in effect, no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption for the person operating under it. This preemption applies for the exemption period (for example, June 10, 2025–June 10, 2027 or June 21, 2025–June 21, 2027 for the renewed exemptions).
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions 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.
2026-10341 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permission for 14 hard of hearing and deaf drivers to keep driving big trucks across state lines until May 15, 2028. This means these drivers can continue working without having to meet the usual hearing rules. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 22, 2026, to speak up!
2026-10345 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 12 hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be exempt from the usual hearing rules to drive commercial trucks across state lines. If approved, these drivers can hit the road legally, boosting opportunities without compromising safety. You’ve got until June 22, 2026, to share your thoughts—no fees involved, just your voice!
2026-09943 — Fees for Commercial Driver's License Information System
The FMCSA wants to start charging State driver agencies a fee to use the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS), which helps keep track of commercial driver licenses. These fees will be collected by AAMVA, the group that runs CDLIS. If you’re part of a State agency, get ready for this change and send your thoughts by June 17, 2026!
2026-09633 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection: Request for Revocation of Authority Granted
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is renewing a form that lets motor carriers, freight forwarders, and property brokers cancel their operating authority if they want. This renewal keeps the process easy and official, with no new fees or big changes. If you’re involved, make sure to share your thoughts by July 13, 2026!
2026-09622 — Commercial Driver's License: State of Hawaii Department of Transportation; Application for Exemption
The Hawaii Department of Transportation asked for a special rule to let certain Pacific Island residents get regular commercial driver’s licenses in Hawaii. The government said yes—but only for a special kind of license that lasts five years and is for people from Micronesia, the Marshall Islands, and Palau who live in the U.S. This change starts May 14, 2026, and helps keep roads safe without extra costs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02146 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
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.
Next: 2026-02148 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Standard on Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a safety information form that helps keep workplaces with dangerous chemicals safe. This affects companies handling hazardous chemicals, aiming to reduce accidents without adding extra paperwork. Comments are open until March 5, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!