Twelve More Deaf Drivers Ask to Operate Big Rigs
Published Date: 5/22/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
12 Hearing-Impaired Drivers Seek Interstate Exemptions
The FMCSA received applications from 12 hard of hearing or deaf individuals asking for exemptions from the federal hearing rule so they can legally operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The public can submit comments on these requests through June 22, 2026.
Exemptions Would Be Issued for Two-Year Terms
FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2-year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver's medical certification, so any granted hearing exemptions would be limited to two years. After that period, the exemption may be renewed following FMCSA procedures.
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!
2026-09943 — 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.
2026-09469 — Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Requirements; Driver Qualification Requirements: Waste Management Holdings, Inc.; Application for Exemptions
Waste Management Holdings got a two-year partial green light to skip some drug testing and driver checks when moving drivers between their own companies. This means less paperwork and testing for drivers who’ve already been tested recently, but they still have to follow key safety rules. The changes start May 13, 2026, and aim to keep roads safe while making driver transfers smoother and quicker.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10344 — Certain Superabsorbent Polymers From the Republic of Korea: Preliminary Results of Antidumping Duty Administrative Review; 2023-2024
The U.S. Department of Commerce reviewed certain superabsorbent polymers from South Korea for the year ending November 2024 and found that LG Chem didn’t sell these products at unfairly low prices. This means no extra duties will be charged for now, but the Commerce Department is still open to comments before finalizing. Importers, exporters, and manufacturers should keep an eye on updates as this could affect trade and pricing.
Next: 2026-10347 — Final Priority and Definitions-Secretary's Supplemental Priority and Definitions on Promoting Patriotic Education
Starting June 22, 2026, the U.S. Department of Education is adding a new priority to support patriotic education in its grant programs. Schools and organizations applying for education grants can now include this focus, alongside other priorities like literacy and AI. This change helps guide where federal education money goes, encouraging programs that promote pride and knowledge about our country.