Federal Register #FMCSA-2026-0052

FMCSA Medical Exemptions for Hearing and Seizure Requirements for CMV Drivers

This notice from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the Department of Transportation, addresses medical exemption applications for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers: - Government Buyer: - Department of Transportation (DOT) - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) - Medical Programs Division - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory action for individual drivers, not a procurement of products or services. - Products/Services Requested: - Exemption from hearing requirement for 11 individuals with hearing impairments to operate CMVs in interstate commerce - Exemption from epilepsy and seizure disorder prohibition for 14 individuals with a history of seizures to operate CMVs in interstate commerce - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Exemptions are subject to terms and conditions, including reporting requirements and restrictions on vehicle types (e.g., not operating passenger buses) - Hearing exemptions are under review and open for public comment - Epilepsy/seizure exemptions are granted for a two-year period - Applicants must hold valid commercial driver’s licenses and comply with all other applicable regulations

Description

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces receipt of applications from 11 individuals requesting exemptions from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, these exemptions would allow hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs across state lines. The notice invites public comments on these exemption applications and outlines the qualifications and conditions for the exemptions. Comments must be received by July 9, 2026.

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