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.
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.
2026-17340, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection: Non-Insulin-Treated Diabetes Mellitus Assessment Form, MCSA-5872
The FMCSA is renewing a form that helps medical examiners check if truck drivers with non-insulin-treated diabetes are fit to drive safely. This form is optional and helps doctors share important health info to keep roads safe. Comments on this plan are open until October 26, 2026, with no new costs involved.
2026-16288, English Language Proficiency; Out of Service Criteria
The FMCSA wants to make sure truck drivers who don’t speak English well enough can be taken out of service to keep roads safer. This change affects all commercial drivers and aligns rules with current safety checks, making enforcement clearer and fairer. Comments on this proposal are open until October 9, 2026, with no new costs expected for drivers or companies.
2026-15760, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection Request: Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The FMCSA is renewing its approval to keep running the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a system that helps track drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol. This affects nearly 10 million drivers, employers, and related groups, ensuring safety by making sure drivers complete the return-to-duty process before getting back on the road. Comments on this renewal are open until September 3, 2026, with no new fees involved.
2026-15430, Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers: Precision Fireworks LLC; Application for Exemption
FMCSA requests public comment on Precision Fireworks LLC's (Precision) application for exemption from the HOS requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must not drive following the 14th hour after coming on duty. FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request. This notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15414, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Transit Solutions, LLC
FMCSA requests public comments on an application for exemption submitted by Transit Solutions, LLC (dba TSI Video) to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) equipped with TSI's ClearView E-Mirror camera monitor system (CMS) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request and such notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
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!