FMCSA renewed individualized seizure-disorder exemptions for nine interstate CMV drivers from September 16, 2026 through September 16, 2028, subject to monitoring and reporting conditions.
FMCSA published the renewal notice on September 10
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published a notice on September 10, 2026 renewing exemptions for nine named commercial motor vehicle drivers with epilepsy or seizure disorders. The exemptions apply beginning September 16, 2026 and expire September 16, 2028 unless revoked earlier. The notice concerns interstate CMV operation under federal medical rules.
The baseline medical standard remains in force
The underlying rule, 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8), generally requires that a driver have no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or another condition likely to cause loss of consciousness or loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle. FMCSA used its statutory authority to grant individual exemptions from that specific standard after reviewing the applicants' records.
This is not a general waiver
The decision does not remove the seizure-disorder standard, automatically qualify other drivers, change state licensing requirements for everyone or eliminate the medical examiner's role. It renews nine case-specific exemptions. Anyone else seeking similar relief must use the applicable FMCSA process and provide the medical and driving information the agency requires.
The nine drivers span seven states
The notice identifies two drivers from Pennsylvania, two from Utah and one each from Virginia, Indiana, Colorado, Kansas and Florida. FMCSA grouped the renewals across five docket numbers: FMCSA-2013-0109, FMCSA-2022-0044, FMCSA-2024-0019, FMCSA-2024-0022 and FMCSA-2024-0024.
FMCSA reviewed medical monitoring and driving records
According to the notice, each driver remained in good standing, maintained medical monitoring and had no newly reported medical issue that would compromise safe driving. FMCSA also reviewed information from the drivers' state licensing agencies, including driving records and, where applicable, crash documentation, before renewing the exemptions.
The agency applied the equivalent-safety standard
FMCSA said the information available supports a finding that the exemptions would achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than compliance with section 391.41(b)(8). That legal finding is central to an exemption; it is not a statement that epilepsy or seizure disorders are irrelevant to CMV safety.
Medical monitoring continues
Each renewed exemption requires the driver to remain seizure-free, continue the stable treatment regime described in the application and obtain an annual report from the treating physician. The driver must also receive an annual medical examination from a certified medical examiner and provide the physician's report to that examiner.
Reporting deadlines are part of each exemption
The notice requires a seizure, change in seizure type or frequency, or change in treatment to be reported to FMCSA within 24 hours. It also requires reporting within seven days of a crash meeting the notice's specified criteria and within seven days of citations or convictions for disqualifying offenses. Those deadlines are conditions of the individual exemptions.
Drivers must carry the exemption
A copy of the exemption must be kept in the driver's qualification file maintained by the employer, or in the driver's own file when self-employed, and the driver must have a copy while operating a CMV. The driver must also meet all other applicable CDL testing requirements and submit an annual certified driving record from the state licensing agency.
States may not apply a conflicting requirement to these drivers
During the exemption period, the notice states that no state may enforce a law or regulation that conflicts with the exemption with respect to a person operating under it. That federal preemption is limited to the scope of the exemption and does not erase unrelated licensing, qualification, testing or operating rules.
FMCSA can revoke an exemption
The agency may revoke an exemption if a driver fails to comply with its terms, if the exemption results in a lower level of safety than existed before it was granted or if continuing it would conflict with the statutory goals governing exemptions. An expiration date therefore does not guarantee that an exemption will remain effective for the full two years.
Comments are due October 13
FMCSA is accepting comments on the renewal notice through October 13, 2026. The Federal Register page provides the docket access and submission methods. The agency says late-filed comments will be considered to the extent practicable, but interested parties should use the published deadline.
What carriers and applicants should understand
Carriers employing a driver under one of these exemptions should verify the effective dates, retain the required copy, monitor the annual documentation and know the event-reporting conditions. Applicants should not rely on a news summary as evidence of qualification. The controlling documents are the driver's own exemption, the current federal rules, the medical examiner's certification and applicable state CDL requirements.
Primary-source note
This report is based on FMCSA's Federal Register notice 2026-18445, published September 10, 2026, and the current text of 49 CFR 391.41. The Federal Register notice contains the complete names, docket references, conditions, comment instructions and legal findings. Readers should consult those primary sources for an official determination.
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Official sources
Federal Register, September 10, 2026: Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders49 CFR 391.41: Physical qualifications for driversCDL Truck Pro provides educational information. Confirm licensing, safety, tax, and regulatory requirements through current official sources and qualified professionals.