Nine Deaf Drivers Eye Interstate Trucks: Public Comment Open
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is considering requests from nine hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be allowed to drive commercial trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these drivers can get exemptions to work interstate, opening new job opportunities. The public can share their thoughts by October 28, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Nine deaf/hard-of-hearing drivers seek interstate exemptions
Nine hard‑of‑hearing or deaf individuals have applied for exemptions from the federal hearing requirement so they can drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs across state lines). If FMCSA grants these exemptions, those nine applicants would be allowed to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. The public may submit comments on these requests by October 28, 2026.
Hearing rule applicants seek exemption from
The Federal hearing qualification requires that a person either first perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet (with or without a hearing aid) or, if tested audiometrically, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz (with or without a hearing aid) when calibrated to American National Standard Z24.5‑1951. The nine applicants are requesting exemptions from this specific standard (49 CFR 391.41(b)(11)).
Exemptions issued for 2‑year periods
FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a 2‑year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver's medical certification. That means an exemption, if granted, would generally last up to two years.
2008 evidence report on hearing and CMV safety
FMCSA's 2008 Evidence Report concluded two points: (1) no studies were identified that examined the relationship between hearing loss and crash risk exclusively among commercial motor vehicle drivers; and (2) evidence from studies of private drivers does not support the idea that hearing impairment increases crash risk. FMCSA cites this report when considering exemption requests.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19807, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is considering requests from 11 people who are hard of hearing or deaf to be allowed to drive big trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these folks can get behind the wheel and keep America moving! You have until October 28, 2026, to share your thoughts, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in.
Next: 2026-19809, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 18 hard of hearing and deaf drivers, letting them keep driving big trucks across state lines. These renewals keep the roads open for skilled drivers who don’t meet the usual hearing rules. If you want to share your thoughts, you’ve got until October 28, 2026, to speak up—no extra costs or changes for drivers, just continued chances to drive!