13 Epileptic Truck Drivers Renewed for Road Hauls
Published Date: 2/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA has renewed special permissions for 13 truck drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders, letting them keep driving commercial vehicles across state lines while on anti-seizure meds. This means these drivers can continue working safely without losing their jobs. These exemptions have specific start and end dates, so affected drivers should keep an eye on their renewal timelines.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
13 Drivers Allowed to Keep Driving
FMCSA renewed individual exemptions for 13 interstate commercial drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders so they may continue operating commercial motor vehicles while taking anti-seizure medication. The exemptions are each valid for 2 years from their effective dates (groups effective July 5, 2025; July 12, 2025; and July 30, 2025).
Ongoing Medical Monitoring Requirements
If you hold one of these exemptions you must remain seizure-free and maintain stable treatment, submit annual treating-physician reports, and undergo an annual medical exam by a certified medical examiner. Failure to comply can lead to rescission of the 2-year exemption.
Reporting and Recordkeeping Duties for Crashes and Convictions
Exempt drivers must report any seizure within 24 hours, report crashes and report citations/convictions for disqualifying offenses to FMCSA within 7 days, and submit annual certified driving records from their State Driver's Licensing Agency. You must carry a copy of the exemption while driving for presentation to law enforcement.
Employers Must Keep Exemption/Certification Copies
Employers of these exempt drivers must retain a copy of the driver's annual medical certification in the driver's qualification file; self-employed drivers must keep a copy in their own qualification file. Each exemption is valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier.
Federal Preemption While Exemptions Are Active
While a driver operates under one of these exemptions, no State may enforce laws or regulations that conflict with the exemption for that person. This protects the exempt driver's ability to operate in interstate commerce during the exemption period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06378 — Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption Renewal From Loomis Armored US, LLC
Loomis Armored US, LLC wants to renew a 5-year exemption to keep using armored trucks with welded-shut cab doors and add two extra doors behind the cab. This affects Loomis’s armored vehicle operations and could impact safety rules for these trucks. The public can comment on this request until May 4, 2026, before the government decides whether to approve it.
2026-06276 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection: Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
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2026-06279 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection Request: Designation of Agents, Motor Carriers, Brokers, and Freight Forwarders
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2026-05571 — Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection Request: Unified Registration System, FMCSA Registration/Updates
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2026-05180 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is considering special permission for 14 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to drive commercial trucks across state lines. These drivers take medicine to control seizures and want a chance to work despite current rules. You can share your thoughts by April 16, 2026, and this could open new job opportunities without extra costs for those who qualify.
2026-05184 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is considering allowing 17 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders, who take medication and have controlled symptoms, to drive commercial trucks across state lines. This is a big deal because current rules usually stop anyone with these conditions from driving big rigs. You can share your thoughts by April 16, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03767 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for six drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to keep driving commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. These exemptions started on August 13, 2025, and last until August 13, 2027. This means qualified drivers can keep working without worrying about losing their licenses, keeping roads safe and jobs steady.
Next: 2026-03769 — Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA is renewing special permissions for 11 drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders to keep driving commercial trucks across state lines while on medication. This means these drivers can continue working safely without losing their jobs. These exemptions have specific start and end dates, so affected drivers should keep an eye on their renewal timelines.
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