12 Epileptic Truckers Cleared for Two More Years on Roads
Published Date: 9/9/2026
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
12 Drivers Granted 2-Year Exemptions
FMCSA renewed 2-year exemptions allowing 12 named commercial drivers who have had seizures and take anti-seizure medication to operate interstate commercial motor vehicles from January 30, 2026 through January 30, 2028. The 12 named individuals are listed with their States of record (e.g., MI, IN, WI, SD, PA, OH, KY, IL, TX).
Strict Medical Monitoring Requirements
Drivers operating under these exemptions must remain seizure-free, report any seizure within 24 hours, submit annual treating-physician reports and an annual medical exam by a certified examiner, provide annual certified driving records, report crashes within 7 days, report disqualifying citations/convictions within 7 days, and carry a copy of the exemption while driving.
Federal Preemption While Exemptions Apply
While these exemptions are in effect (January 30, 2026 to January 30, 2028), no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. That prevents conflicting State actions during the exemption period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2026-18312, 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.