Uncle Sam Says Deaf Truckers Can Still Haul Freight Interstate
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
12 Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing Drivers Kept Working
If you are one of the 12 named drivers, FMCSA renewed your exemption from the federal hearing requirement so you may continue to operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce from March 4, 2026 through March 4, 2028. The 12 drivers named include Baldemar Barba (TX), Antonio Brown (LA), William Darnell (AZ), Lucius Fowler (IL), Alexander Lindsay (OH), Adrian Lopez (TX), Rage Muse (MN), Jodyann Nipper (IA), Michael Paul (IL), William Rivas (CA), Lakeshia Rosbia (AR), and Robert Troeller (WI).
Ban on Driving Motorcoaches or Buses
Each exemption holder is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce while the exemption is in effect. This restriction applies for the 2-year exemption period ending March 4, 2028.
Mandatory Reporting and Record Rules
If you hold one of these exemptions, you must report any crashes within 7 days, report citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days, and submit annual certified driving records from your State Driver's Licensing Agency to FMCSA. You must also have a copy of the exemption when driving and meet all commercial driver's license testing requirements.
Federal Preemption of Conflicting State Rules
While the exemption is in effect (March 4, 2026 to March 4, 2028), no State may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with the federal exemption for a person operating under it. That means state rules that would block these exemption holders are preempted during the exemption period.
Exemptions Can Be Revoked for Noncompliance or Safety
FMCSA will revoke an exemption before its March 4, 2028 expiration if the driver fails to follow the exemption terms, if the exemption leads to a lower level of safety, or if continuing it would conflict with Title 49 goals. Revocation ends the driver's exemption early.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-18308, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is considering requests from 18 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders who want to drive commercial trucks across state lines. If approved, these drivers—who take medication and have had seizures—could legally operate big rigs again. You’ve got until October 9, 2026, to share your thoughts, and this could open new job opportunities for folks with these conditions.
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The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 12 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on medication. These exemptions started on January 30, 2026, and last until January 30, 2028. This means qualified drivers can keep working without worrying about losing their jobs, keeping roads safe and jobs steady.