# 2026-19594: Feds Renew Exemptions for Deaf Big-Rig Truck Drivers

2026-19594, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, is a Federal Register notice from Transportation Department, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published 2026-09-24, effective 2026-09-06; PRIA reads it as touching household money (as of 2026-10-01).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19594
- As of: 2026-10-01
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Document number: 2026-19594
- Title: Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
- Type: Notice
- Agencies: Transportation Department; Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
- Citation: 91 FR 60696
- Published: 2026-09-24
- Effective: 2026-09-06
- Comments close: 2026-10-26
- Significant: no
- Touches household money: yes
- Regulation identifier numbers: none
- Last updated: 2026-10-01

## In one line

Feds Renew Exemptions for Deaf Big-Rig Truck Drivers

## Summary

The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 12 hard of hearing or deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. These renewals keep safety rules fair while giving these drivers a chance to work. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until October 26, 2026, to speak up!

## Abstract

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.

## Effects PRIA read

- 12 Hearing Exemptions Renewed for Truck Drivers: benefit, high. FMCSA renewed exemptions for 12 named hard of hearing or deaf drivers so they may continue to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. Eleven drivers' exemptions are effective September 6, 2026 and expire September 6, 2028; Jonathan Kelly's exemption is effective September 14, 2026…
- Exemptions Preempt Conflicting State Laws: benefit, medium. While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with that exemption for a person operating under it. This preemption applies during each exemption's 2-year effective period.
- Drivers Must Follow Reporting and Record Rules: cost, low. Each exempt driver must report any crashes within 7 days and report any citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days, submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver Licensing Agency, carry a copy of the exemption while driving, and meet commercial driver's lic…
- Prohibition on Driving Motorcoach/Bus With Passengers: cost, medium. As a condition of the exemptions, each driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce for the duration of the exemption.

## Related documents

- [2026-08144](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-08144): Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures, 2026-04-27
- [2026-20734](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20734): Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Aurora Operations, Inc (USDOT #341156), 2026-10-09
- [2026-20649](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20649): Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption, 2026-10-08
- [2026-20524](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20524): Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Driver…, 2026-10-07
- [2026-20476](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20476): Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Driver…, 2026-10-06
- [2026-20325](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-20325): Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration, 2026-10-05

## Sources
- [2026-19594 on federalregister.gov](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/24/2026-19594/qualification-of-drivers-exemption-applications-hearing)
- [2026-19594 as published (PDF)](https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2026-09-24/pdf/2026-19594.pdf)

## Related
- [Previous: 2026-19593, Foreign-Trade Zone 57; Approval of Subzone Status; AUMOVIO Systems, Inc.; Morga…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19593)
- [Next: 2026-19595, Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holdin…](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19595)
- [All Federal Register documents](https://policyrisk.com/federal-register)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/federal-register/2026-19594 (as of 2026-10-01).