Epileptic truckers get federal green light to drive big rigs
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for five truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. These exemptions started on March 15, 2026, and last until March 15, 2028. This means qualified drivers can keep earning a living without worrying about losing their licenses due to their medical condition.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Five Drivers Allowed to Keep Driving
FMCSA renewed exemptions allowing five named drivers—Andrew Anzalone (MA), Ramon Hinojosa (AZ), Richard Packer (ID), Brian Adam Runk (PA), and Keith White (PA)—to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. The exemptions are effective March 15, 2026 and expire March 15, 2028, letting these individuals continue driving despite a history of seizures while on anti-seizure medication.
Exemption Compliance Requirements
The five exempted drivers must follow strict conditions: remain seizure-free and maintain stable treatment, report any seizure to FMCSA within 24 hours, submit annual physician reports, undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner, provide the annual medical certification to their employer (or keep a copy if self-employed), and submit annual certified driving records. They must also report crashes within 7 days, report citations/convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days, carry a copy of the exemption while driving, and meet all CDL testing requirements.
Federal Preemption While Exemption Active
While the exemptions are in effect (March 15, 2026 to March 15, 2028), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with these exemptions with respect to a person operating under the exemption. This protects the exempted drivers from state actions that would otherwise prevent them from driving under the federal exemption.
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