Sixteen Drivers With Seizures Win Renewed Truck Licenses
Published Date: 5/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 16 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on medication. This means qualified drivers who manage their condition safely can continue working without interruption. These renewed exemptions have specific start and end dates, so affected drivers should keep an eye on their expiration to stay compliant.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
16 Drivers Allowed to Keep Driving
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 16 named commercial drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders so they may continue operating interstate commercial motor vehicles. These exemptions take effect on December 5, 2025; December 16, 2025; or December 23, 2025 (depending on the driver) and each exemption expires two years later on December 5, 2027; December 16, 2027; or December 23, 2027.
Medical Reporting and Recordkeeping Rules
Drivers granted these exemptions must remain seizure-free, maintain stable treatment, and report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours. They must provide annual treating-physician reports, undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, give the annual medical certification to their employer (or keep it if self-employed), report any crashes within 7 days, report citations/convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days, and submit annual certified driving records.
Federal Exemption Overrides Conflicting State Laws
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under it. This federal preemption applies for the duration of each driver's 2-year exemption period.
Two-Year Term and Revocation Conditions
Each exemption is valid for 2 years from its effective date and will be revoked if the driver fails to comply with the exemption terms, if the exemption results in a lower level of safety, or if continuation would conflict with the goals of Title 49. The notice lists specific expiration dates: December 5, 2027; December 16, 2027; and December 23, 2027 for the respective groups.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-10580, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for five drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to keep driving commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. These exemptions started November 6, 2025, and last until November 6, 2027, helping these drivers stay on the road safely without breaking the usual no-seizure rule. This update keeps things moving smoothly for drivers and the trucking world without extra costs or delays.
Next: 2026-10582, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is considering special permission for 10 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to drive commercial trucks across state lines. If approved, these folks—who take seizure medicine and have had seizures before—could get back behind the wheel legally. You’ve got until June 29, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss out on having your say!