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.
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.
2026-10580 — 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.
2026-10583 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The government is considering letting 12 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders drive big trucks across state lines, even though current rules say they can’t. These folks take medicine to control their seizures and want a chance to work as commercial drivers. You have until June 29, 2026, to share your thoughts, and this could open new job opportunities without extra costs for taxpayers.
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!
2026-10584 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is considering special permission for 11 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to drive commercial trucks across state lines. These drivers take medicine and want a chance to work despite current rules that usually say no. You’ve got until June 29, 2026, to share your thoughts, and this could open doors for more folks with similar health conditions to earn a living.
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!
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!