Old Vision Waivers Expire: Drivers Must Meet Modern Sight Standards
Published Date: 2/19/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 23, 2026, interstate truck and bus drivers who got special vision waivers between 1992 and 2022 will no longer be covered by old grandfather rules. This means all drivers must now meet current vision standards to keep driving commercially across state lines. No extra fees or costs are mentioned, but affected drivers should get ready to meet the updated vision rules or risk losing their driving privileges.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grandfather Vision Waivers Removed
FMCSA is removing the grandfathering provision that applied to drivers in the 1992–1994 vision waiver study and the 1998–2022 vision exemption program. The removal of 49 CFR 391.64(b) is effective March 23, 2026, but FMCSA says all drivers have been required to meet the alternative vision standard at 49 CFR 391.44 since March 22, 2023 and Medical Examiner Certificates issued under section 391.64 were voided after March 22, 2023. The Agency states this change is to eliminate obsolete regulatory text and should not impose costs on regulated parties.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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