Deaf Drivers Get FMCSA Nod to Pilot Big Rigs Cross-Country
Published Date: 9/28/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 20 hard of hearing or deaf drivers, letting them keep driving commercial trucks across state lines. These exemptions help qualified drivers stay on the road safely without meeting the usual hearing rules. If you want to share your thoughts, make sure to comment by October 28, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
20 Drivers Kept Driving Interstate
FMCSA renewed exemptions for 20 named hard-of-hearing or deaf individuals, allowing them to continue operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. Groups of drivers received renewals effective August 13, 2026 (expires August 13, 2028), August 22, 2026 (expires August 22, 2028), and August 28, 2026 (expires August 28, 2028).
Renewal Conditions and Work Limits
Each renewed exemption is subject to conditions: drivers must report any crashes within 7 days, report citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses within 7 days, submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver Licensing Agency, must carry a copy of the exemption while driving, must meet all commercial driver's license testing requirements, and are prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce.
Federal Exemption Preempts State Law
While an exemption is in effect, no State may enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with the Federal exemption regarding a person operating under it. This protection applies for the duration of each driver's exemption.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
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!
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.
2026-19808, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
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!
2026-19594, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
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!
2026-18863, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection Request: 391.41 CMV Driver Medication Form
The FMCSA is renewing a form that helps medical examiners check if truck and bus drivers’ medications are safe for driving. This form is optional and helps keep roads safe by making sure drivers aren’t at risk of medical problems that could cause accidents. Healthcare providers might spend about 8 minutes filling it out, and comments on this plan are open until October 15, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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!
Next: 2026-19811, Tin Mill Products From China, Taiwan, and Turkey; Scheduling of the Final Phase of Countervailing Duty and Antidumping Duty Investigations
The U.S. is investigating whether cheap tin mill products from China, Taiwan, and Turkey are hurting American steel makers. This means they’re checking if these imports are unfairly priced or subsidized, which could lead to extra taxes to protect U.S. businesses. The final decision phase started on September 21, 2026, so changes affecting prices and imports could happen soon.