Five ICD Drivers Seek Exemption to Drive CMVs

Five drivers with implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs) have asked to be allowed to drive commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

The request is for an exemption from the rule that bars a person with a current clinical diagnosis of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, coronary insufficiency, thrombosis, or another cardiovascular disease known to be accompanied by syncope, dyspnea, collapse, or congestive heart failure.

FMCSA's medical advisory criteria say ICDs are installed for an ongoing underlying cardiovascular condition and that syncope or collapse is likely from the condition or an ICD discharge. If granted, the exemption would let the individual with an ICD operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce.

The notice includes details for Ron Bledsoe, Wes Bryant, Jayden Fernatt, and Terry Plisch. Their cardiologist letters describe the implant dates and the heart conditions that led to the implants.

FMCSA will review the applications, safety analyses, public comments, and each applicant's medical information. It will decide whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equal to or greater than the level without the exemption.

Comments are due on or before December 16, 2026. The docket number is FMCSA-2026-0064.

Source: Federal Register — https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/16/2026-23207/qualification-of-drivers-exemption-applications-implantable-cardioverter-defibrillators-icd