Thirteen Drivers With Seizure History Get License Renewals
Published Date: 6/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 13 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines while on medication. This means folks who’ve had seizures but are managing them safely can keep working without breaking the rules. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until July 22, 2026, to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
13 Drivers Approved to Keep Driving
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 13 named commercial drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders so they may continue to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles while taking anti-seizure medication. Six drivers’ exemptions are effective June 17, 2026 and expire June 17, 2028; seven drivers’ exemptions are effective June 28, 2026 and expire June 28, 2028.
Required Medical and Reporting Conditions
To keep the exemptions, each driver must remain seizure-free, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual physician attestations and an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, provide annual certified driving records from their State Driver's Licensing Agency, report crashes within 7 days, report citations/convictions within 7 days, keep a copy of the exemption while driving, and meet all CDL testing requirements.
Federal Exemption Overrides Conflicting State Laws
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption with respect to a person operating under it. This preemption applies during each two-year exemption period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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The FMCSA is considering special permission for 16 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders to drive big trucks across state lines, even though current rules usually say no. These folks have been seizure-free while on medicine and want a chance to work as commercial drivers. You’ve got until July 22, 2026, to share your thoughts, so jump in and help shape the rules!
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