Feds Review 18 Seizure-Prone Drivers for Interstate Truck Exemptions
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 18 individuals for an exemption from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to drive in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Epilepsy Exemptions Could Restore Driving Rights
The FMCSA announced it received applications from 18 individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders seeking exemptions from the rule that bars people with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy from driving commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. If the exemptions are granted, those applicants would be allowed to operate CMVs in interstate commerce despite the existing prohibition; public comments are due by October 9, 2026.
Grants Usually Last Two Years
FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the seizure/disqualification rule for a 2-year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver's medical certification, and exemptions may be renewed. That means if an applicant receives an exemption it would typically remain in effect for two years before renewal is considered.
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Previous: 2026-18307, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for five individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have "no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV." The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Next: 2026-18310, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 12 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.