More Seizure-Prone Drivers Cleared for Interstate Trucking
Published Date: 5/7/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for seven truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines while on medication. These exemptions started April 15, 2026, and last until April 15, 2028. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until June 8, 2026, to speak up—no fees or extra costs involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Exemptions Renewed for Seven Drivers
FMCSA renewed exemptions for seven named drivers — Robert Drake (MI), Jacoby Hitchcock (IA), Lance Johnson (TN), Anthony Martin (VA), Kevin Podman (IL), Bradley Scruggs (CA), and Mark Shirkey (IN) — allowing them to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce while taking anti-seizure medication. The exemptions are effective April 15, 2026 and expire April 15, 2028.
Annual Medical and Reporting Obligations
Each exempt driver must remain seizure-free, maintain stable treatment, and report a seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours. They must submit annual treating-physician reports and annual medical examinations by a certified medical examiner, provide or retain copies of medical certification, report crashes within 7 days, report disqualifying citations and convictions within 7 days, submit annual certified driving records, carry a copy of the exemption while driving, and meet all commercial driver's license testing requirements during the 2-year exemption period.
State Law Preemption for Exempted Drivers
During the exemption period (April 15, 2026 through April 15, 2028), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. The preemption protects these exempt drivers from conflicting state restrictions while the exemption is in effect.
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: 2026-08989, Proposed Information Collection Activity; Evaluation of the Next Generation Child Support Employment Services Demonstration-New Information Collection Request
The government is launching a 5-year project called NextGen to help noncustodial parents get better jobs and pay child support more consistently. Ten child support agencies across the U.S. will try out new programs, and researchers will study how well these efforts work. If you’re involved with these agencies or interested in child support, now’s the time to share your thoughts before July 6, 2026!
Next: 2026-08991, Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine Grant Program for Fiscal Year 2026
The USDA’s Rural Utilities Service is opening up grants for the Distance Learning and Telemedicine program in fiscal year 2026. Schools, clinics, and rural communities can apply for funding to boost remote education and healthcare tech. Starting next year, these grant announcements will only be found online, so mark your calendars and get ready to apply!