Opportunity
Federal Register #FMCSA-2026-0053
FMCSA Requests Public Comment on Hearing-Impaired Driver Exemption Applications
Buyer
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Posted
September 28, 2026
Respond By
October 28, 2026
Identifier
FMCSA-2026-0053
NAICS
926120
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), under the Department of Transportation, is requesting public comment on applications for medical exemptions for hearing-impaired commercial drivers. - Government Buyer: - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation - OEMs and Vendors: - No OEMs or commercial vendors are involved; this is a regulatory exemption process - Products/Services Requested: - Evaluation and potential granting of medical exemptions for 11 individuals seeking to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce despite not meeting the hearing requirement - Service line item: Medical exemption evaluation for hearing-impaired CMV drivers (quantity: 11) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Exemptions subject to specific safety and reporting conditions, including: - Reporting of crashes and citations - Submission of annual certified driving records - Restrictions on operating motorcoaches or buses with passengers - Public comments are solicited to assess whether granting exemptions maintains or improves safety standards - No products, part numbers, or OEMs are referenced; focus is on regulatory compliance and medical evaluation
Description
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces receipt of applications from 11 individuals seeking 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, which will be evaluated to determine if granting them would maintain or exceed current safety levels. The exemptions are subject to specific terms and conditions, including reporting requirements and restrictions on operating certain types of vehicles.