Four drivers seek exemption to drive with epilepsy or seizure history

Four commercial drivers have applied for exemptions to drive despite a medical history of epilepsy or seizure disorders. The requests ask to allow these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.

Comments on these applications must be received by October 8, 2026. The docket number for this notice is FMCSA-2026-0043. Carriers and drivers may submit feedback online, by mail, hand delivery, or fax.

The applicants include a North Dakota driver seizure-free since March 2020, a New Jersey driver seizure-free since May 2025, a California driver with provoked seizures who has been seizure-free since October 2020, and an Alabama driver seizure-free since October 2024. Three of the four take anti-seizure medication with stable dosages.

The agency will review each application, medical records, and public comments. If approved, the exemptions would be granted for a two-year period to match the maximum duration of a driver medical certificate. The agency will publish its final decision in the Federal Register.

Source: Federal Register — https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/09/08/2026-18216/qualification-of-drivers-exemption-applications-epilepsy-and-seizure-disorders