# 2026-12313: Deaf Drivers Win Renewed Interstate Trucking Exemptions

2026-12313, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, is a Federal Register notice from Transportation Department, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published 2026-06-18, effective 2026-02-09; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-06-25).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12313
- As of: 2026-06-25
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-12313
- Title: Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 36934
- Published: 2026-06-18
- Effective: 2026-02-09
- Comments close: not stated
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-06-25

## In one line

Deaf Drivers Win Renewed Interstate Trucking Exemptions

## Summary

The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 15 hard of hearing or deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. These exemptions mean they don’t have to meet the usual hearing rules but still follow all other safety laws. The renewed permissions have specific start and end dates, helping these drivers keep their jobs without extra costs or delays.

## Abstract

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 15 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

## Effects PRIA read

- 15 Drivers Granted 2‑Year Hearing Exemptions: benefit, high. FMCSA renewed exemptions for 15 named hard-of-hearing or deaf drivers allowing them to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. The renewals were applicable on February 9, 2026 (six drivers, expire February 9, 2028), February 14, 2026 (four drivers, expire February 14, 2028), and F…
- Required Reporting and Record Obligations: cost, low. Each exempted driver must report any crashes within 7 days, report any citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days, and submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver's Licensing Agency. Each exemption is issued for a 2-year period and may be revoked earlier…
- Passenger‑Carrying Restriction: cost, medium. Drivers holding these hearing exemptions are prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce while the exemption is in effect.
- Federal Preemption While Exemptions Active: benefit, medium. During each exemption period, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption.

## Related documents

- [2026-08144](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08144): Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures, 2026-04-27
- [2026-22829](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22829): Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 2026-11-09
- [2026-22507](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22507): Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 2026-11-04
- [2026-22508](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22508): Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 2026-11-04
- [2026-22512](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22512): Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Metronet Application for Exemption, 2026-11-04
- [2026-22510](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-22510): Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 2026-11-04

## Sources
- [2026-12313 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/06/18/2026-12313/qualification-of-drivers-exemption-applications-hearing)
- [2026-12313 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-06-18/pdf/2026-12313.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-12312, Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers; American Pyrotechnics Association (APA); Req…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12312)
- [Next: 2026-12315, Pipeline Safety: Information Collection Activities](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12315)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-12313 (as of 2026-06-25).