Three final notices cover 39 individual drivers
FMCSA published three final-disposition notices on November 4 granting epilepsy and seizure-disorder exemptions to groups of 12, 11 and 16 drivers. The exemptions allow those named individuals, who have a seizure history and take anti-seizure medication, to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce despite the general physical-qualification standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8).
The decisions are based on individual medical and driving records
FMCSA reviewed each applicant’s seizure history, time since the last seizure, treatment stability, treating clinician’s opinion and certified driving record. The agency also reviewed crash-related documents when applicable. FMCSA concluded that each approved driver would likely maintain a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level achieved without the exemption. These are individual determinations, not a finding that every applicant with the same diagnosis qualifies.
The exemptions have different two-year periods
The 11-driver group is covered from July 1, 2026, through July 1, 2028; the 12-driver group from July 4, 2026, through July 4, 2028; and the 16-driver group from July 27, 2026, through July 27, 2028. FMCSA can revoke an exemption if the driver fails to meet its conditions, the exemption produces a lower level of safety or continuation conflicts with federal safety objectives.
Drivers must report medical changes quickly
Each exempted driver must remain seizure-free and maintain stable treatment. A seizure or change in the treatment regimen must be reported to FMCSA within 24 hours. The driver must also submit an annual report from the treating physician, complete an annual examination with a certified medical examiner and provide the annual medical certification to the employer for the driver qualification file, or retain it in the file when self-employed.
Crash, citation and document duties continue
The conditions require the driver to report qualifying crashes to FMCSA within seven days and report citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under parts 383 and 391 within seven days. The driver must submit an annual certified driving record from the State Driver Licensing Agency, meet all applicable CDL testing requirements and carry a copy of the exemption while driving so it can be shown to an authorized enforcement officer.
Driver and fleet takeaway
These notices do not change the general seizure standard or automatically authorize another driver with a similar history. A pending application, physician letter or news article is not an exemption. Fleets should verify the named driver’s individual FMCSA document, exact effective and expiration dates, current medical certification and CDL status before dispatch; retain required records in the qualification file; calendar annual reports and examinations; and confirm that the driver knows the 24-hour and seven-day reporting deadlines. Applicants should wait for their own final written decision before operating under an exemption.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration — Final Dispositions 2026-22507, 2026-22508 and 2026-22510
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