28 More Deaf Drivers Win Interstate Trucking Exemptions
Published Date: 6/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 28 hard of hearing and deaf truck drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. This means these drivers can continue working without changing the hearing rules for everyone else. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 9, 2026, to speak up—no extra costs or changes for most folks!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
28 Deaf/Hearing-Impaired Drivers Kept on Road
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 28 named hard-of-hearing and deaf drivers so they may continue to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. These renewals are for renewable 2-year periods with effective dates in June 2026 (examples: applicable June 3, 2026, expiring June 3, 2028; June 17, 2026, expiring June 17, 2028; and others listed through June 29, 2026, expiring in June 2028).
New Compliance Conditions for Exempt Drivers
Drivers granted these hearing exemptions must report any crashes within 7 days, report any disqualifying citations and convictions within 7 days, submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver's Licensing Agency, meet all CDL testing requirements, and carry a copy of the exemption when driving. The exemptions also prohibit these drivers from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce.
Federal Preemption Protects Exempt Drivers
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption for a person operating under it. This protects the exempt drivers from state rules that would otherwise conflict with their federal exemption during its 2-year term.
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.
2026-20524, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Split Sleeper Berth Time
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program to see if truck drivers can split their required rest time in the sleeper berth to improve their work-life balance without risking safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, which could lead to more flexible driving rules. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, and the results might change how drivers manage their hours, possibly saving time and boosting safety.
2026-20476, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Pause Their 14-Hour Driving Window
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program letting truck drivers pause their 14-hour driving window for up to 3 hours at cargo stops to see if it improves their work-life balance without hurting safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, helping the agency gather data on driver fatigue and performance. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, so the public can weigh in before it moves forward.
2026-20325, Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration
The FMCSA is extending emergency relief from 14 days to 30 days after a state or FMCSA declares a regional emergency. This change helps truck drivers and companies get more time to respond during emergencies without extra paperwork. The new rule kicks in on October 5, 2026, and anyone wanting to challenge it must act by November 4, 2026.
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.
2026-20048, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-11486, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases; Notice of Closed Meeting
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases is holding a private meeting on June 23, 2026, to review the skills and work of its vaccine researchers. This closed session helps make sure the best people are leading important health projects. While the public can’t attend, they can send in comments beforehand.
Next: 2026-11488, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is giving 14 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. These special permissions started on April 6, 2026, and last until April 6, 2028, helping skilled drivers keep rolling safely. This move shows trust in medical progress and opens doors for qualified drivers who once faced strict limits.