Federal Regulators Say No to 16 Seizure-Disorder Truck Drivers
Published Date: 11/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA said no to 16 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders who asked to drive big trucks across state lines. The rules still keep folks with conditions that might cause blackouts from driving commercial vehicles, aiming to keep roads safe for everyone. If you’re affected, this means no changes for now, and no new costs or deadlines to worry about.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
16 truck-driver epilepsy exemptions denied
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) denied exemption requests from 16 named individuals who asked to be allowed to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce despite having epilepsy or seizure disorders. The 16 applicants listed by name and State are: Andrew Barker (NC); Kyle Benner (PA); Devin Brockington (MD); Wendy Cook (OR); Caedmon Cunningham (KS); Steven Ernest (ME); Chauncy Gibson (GA); Matthew Heller (NY); Michael S. Miller (CA); Michael George Murray (NY); Brandon Petruzzi (MA); Scott Pontious (OH); Anthony Sanders (MO); Ryen Seyfried (NY); Jeffrey Sparkman (KY); and Donte Watkins (NC).
Seizure-related disqualification remains in effect
FMCSA continues to apply the physical qualification standard at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), which disqualifies anyone with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any condition likely to cause loss of consciousness from operating CMVs in interstate commerce unless an exemption is granted. FMCSA reviews exemption requests case-by-case under its statutory authority (49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b)) and must find equivalent levels of safety before granting an exemption.
Denials based on seizure-free time requirement
FMCSA states that the 16 denied applicants 'do not meet the minimum time requirement for being seizure-free, either on or off anti-seizure medication.' Applicants who have not met that seizure-free time requirement were denied exemptions.
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