Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Published Date: 2/3/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA has renewed special permissions for 17 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. This means these drivers can continue working safely without breaking the rules, with their exemptions valid until the listed expiration dates. It’s a win for drivers managing health challenges and the businesses that rely on them, with no new costs or delays announced.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
17 Drivers Granted 2‑Year Exemptions
FMCSA renewed exemptions allowing 17 named drivers who have had seizures and are on anti‑seizure medication to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles. Fifteen drivers’ exemptions are effective April 2, 2025 and expire April 2, 2027; Michael Littleton’s exemption is effective April 26, 2025 and expires April 26, 2027; Bradley Hollister’s exemption is effective April 30, 2025 and expires April 30, 2027.
Exemptions Subject to Revocation Conditions
FMCSA will revoke an exemption if the driver fails to comply with its terms, if the exemption results in a lower level of safety than before it was granted, or if continuation would be inconsistent with the goals of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b).
Medical and Reporting Conditions Imposed
Each exempted driver must remain seizure‑free, maintain stable treatment, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual physician reports attesting to stability, undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, provide annual certified driving records, and report crashes or disqualifying citations within 7 days. The exemptions are issued for 2‑year periods tied to the medical certificate.
Federal Preemption During Exemption Period
While an individual’s FMCSA exemption is in effect, no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption with respect to that driver. This protection lasts for the exemption period specified for each driver.
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.
2026-20048, Hours of Service of Drivers; Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Exemption Renewal for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC
The FMCSA is giving Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC a temporary green light to let their truck drivers work longer shifts—up to 16 hours straight—when moving steel coils and scrap metal between company sites. They’re also allowed to keep using special trucks that don’t meet some usual safety rules, but only for steel coil hauling. This exemption runs from late September 2026 to March 2027, and the public can share their thoughts by the end of October.
2026-20046, Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Agri-Tech Aviation
The FMCSA said no to Agri-Tech Aviation’s request to let learner drivers operate commercial vehicles alone before getting their full license. They found it wouldn’t be as safe as current rules require. This means learner drivers still need a fully licensed driver riding shotgun, keeping roads safer for everyone.
2026-20043, Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Application for Exemption; Federation of Professional Truckers
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked to skip using electronic logging devices (ELDs) and keep paper logs instead. The government said no because ELDs keep everyone safer on the road. Truck drivers still need to use ELDs, so no changes or extra costs for now.
2026-19808, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from nine hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be allowed to drive commercial trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these drivers can get exemptions to work interstate, opening new job opportunities. The public can share their thoughts by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-19807, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 11 people who are hard of hearing or deaf to be allowed to drive big trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these folks can get behind the wheel and keep America moving! You have until October 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-02159, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Program To Prevent Smoking in Hazardous Areas
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on a plan that helps keep miners safe by preventing smoking in dangerous areas underground. Mine operators must submit their smoking prevention plans for approval, and the government wants to make sure this process is clear and not too much work. Comments are open until March 5, 2026, so everyone affected has a chance to weigh in without extra costs or hassle.
Next: 2026-02161, Proposed Collection; Request for Comments
The National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) wants your thoughts on a new travel management form that helps employees and guests plan and track official trips. This affects about 515 people, including state examiners and nonprofit workers, and aims to make travel easier without adding too much paperwork. You’ve got until March 5, 2026, to share your feedback and help shape this process!