Twelve Drivers With Epilepsy Win Rare Truck Permits
Published Date: 6/23/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is giving 12 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders a green light to drive commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. These special permissions started on January 25, 2026, and last until January 25, 2028, helping qualified folks keep their wheels turning without breaking the bank. This change opens doors for drivers who play by the rules and manage their health responsibly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
12 Drivers Cleared to Drive Interstate
FMCSA exempted 12 named individuals from the rule that bars drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, allowing them to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce while taking anti-seizure medication. The exemptions are effective January 25, 2026 and expire January 25, 2028.
Ongoing Medical Reporting and Exams Required
Each exempt driver must remain seizure-free, maintain a stable treatment, and report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours. They must also submit annual treating-physician reports, undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, provide a copy of medical certification to their employer or retain it if self-employed, and carry a copy of the exemption while driving.
Two-Year Exemption Period and Revocation Triggers
Each exemption is valid for two years from the effective date (January 25, 2026 through January 25, 2028) unless revoked earlier. FMCSA may revoke an exemption if the driver fails to comply with the terms, the exemption results in a lower level of safety, or continuation would be inconsistent with Title 49 objectives.
Federal Preemption for Exempt Drivers
While the exemptions are in effect (January 25, 2026 to January 25, 2028), no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption for a person operating under it. This protects the exempt drivers from state rules that would otherwise bar their interstate operation during the exemption period.
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.
2026-20734, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Aurora Operations, Inc (USDOT #341156)
The FMCSA just gave Aurora Operations, Inc. a 5-year green light to use special cab-mounted warning lights instead of the usual ones on their Level 4 self-driving trucks. This change affects Aurora and similar companies running automated commercial vehicles, starting October 7, 2026, and aims to keep safety just as strong or even better. No extra costs for carriers, just smarter, safer tech on the road!
2026-20649, Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption
The FMCSA is giving Alaska drivers with a commercial learner’s permit or license a one-year pass to use a paper medical certificate for up to 60 days, since Alaska hasn’t switched to the new electronic system yet. Drivers in all other states must stop using paper proof starting October 12, 2026. This temporary change helps Alaska drivers and their employers stay compliant without extra costs or hassle for the next year.
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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-12539, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA said no to 52 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders who asked to drive big trucks across state lines. The rules stay strict to keep everyone safe on the road, so no special passes this time. If you’re affected, keep an eye out for updates, but for now, no changes or costs are coming your way.
Next: 2026-12541, Biweekly Notice; Applications and Amendments to Facility Operating Licenses and Combined Licenses Involving No Significant Hazards Considerations
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is sharing updates on changes to nuclear plant licenses that don’t pose big safety risks. These updates affect plant operators and the public, with a chance to comment by July 23 and request hearings by August 24, 2026. No major costs or hazards are expected, so plants can keep running smoothly while these changes happen.