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.
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.
2026-20734, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Aurora Operations, Inc (USDOT #341156)
The FMCSA just gave Aurora Operations, Inc. a 5-year green light to use special cab-mounted warning lights instead of the usual ones on their Level 4 self-driving trucks. This change affects Aurora and similar companies running automated commercial vehicles, starting October 7, 2026, and aims to keep safety just as strong or even better. No extra costs for carriers, just smarter, safer tech on the road!
2026-20649, Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption
The FMCSA is giving Alaska drivers with a commercial learner’s permit or license a one-year pass to use a paper medical certificate for up to 60 days, since Alaska hasn’t switched to the new electronic system yet. Drivers in all other states must stop using paper proof starting October 12, 2026. This temporary change helps Alaska drivers and their employers stay compliant without extra costs or hassle for the next year.
2026-20524, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Split Sleeper Berth Time
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program to see if truck drivers can split their required rest time in the sleeper berth to improve their work-life balance without risking safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, which could lead to more flexible driving rules. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, and the results might change how drivers manage their hours, possibly saving time and boosting safety.
2026-20476, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Pause Their 14-Hour Driving Window
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program letting truck drivers pause their 14-hour driving window for up to 3 hours at cargo stops to see if it improves their work-life balance without hurting safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, helping the agency gather data on driver fatigue and performance. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, so the public can weigh in before it moves forward.
2026-20325, Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration
The FMCSA is extending emergency relief from 14 days to 30 days after a state or FMCSA declares a regional emergency. This change helps truck drivers and companies get more time to respond during emergencies without extra paperwork. The new rule kicks in on October 5, 2026, and anyone wanting to challenge it must act by November 4, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03257, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Auxiliary Fuel Tanks
The FMCSA is updating fuel tank rules to allow small auxiliary fuel tanks (up to 5 gallons) on trailers to use gravity or siphon feeds, but only when the vehicle isn’t moving. This change helps truck trailer makers by easing a rule without hurting safety. The new rule kicks in on March 23, 2026, and anyone wanting to challenge it must act by that date.
Next: 2026-03259, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; License Plate Lamps
The FMCSA is making it easier for truck drivers by removing the rule that required license plate lamps on the back of truck tractors when towing trailers. This change keeps safety intact but cuts out a needless hassle. It kicks in on March 23, 2026, so truckers and companies should get ready—no extra costs, just simpler rules!