FMCSA July 2026: Epilepsy Denials, HOS Exemptions CDL Drivers Need to Know

I've been examining commercial drivers here in Daytona Beach for over 40 years, and one thing I've learned is that staying on top of FMCSA regulatory activity isn't just paperwork — it's how you protect your livelihood. The Federal Register dropped several notices on July 17, 2026 that CDL drivers should understand. None of these require you to do something overnight, but two of them are worth a close read before your next physical.

Here's what changed, what it means in plain English, and what you should do about it.

FMCSA Denied 18 Epilepsy Exemption Applications — Here's What That Signals

What Changed

FMCSA announced it has denied exemption applications from 18 individuals with epilepsy or seizure disorders who were seeking to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. (Federal Register, 2026-14415)

Why It Matters for CDL Drivers

This is the one I want every driver reading this to take seriously. The federal regulations are clear: if you have a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any condition likely to cause a loss of consciousness — or a loss of ability to control a CMV — you are medically disqualified from interstate commerce under the FMCSRs. That rule hasn't changed. What this notice does is remind us all that the exemption pathway is narrow and often unsuccessful.

I see drivers every week who are managing neurological conditions with medication and living normal, productive lives. I respect that. But when it comes to a CMV on an interstate highway, FMCSA holds a very firm line here — and as a medical examiner, so do I.

If you have a history of seizures, even well-controlled ones, this affects your DOT physical. Honesty with your examiner isn't optional — it's required, and it's in your best interest.

What You Should Do Now

• If you have a history of epilepsy, seizure disorder, or any condition involving loss of consciousness, talk to your treating physician before your next DOT physical about your current status and documentation.
• Do not assume that because your seizures are "controlled" you will automatically qualify. That determination involves specific FMCSA criteria and specialist records.
• Review our guide on DOT physical disqualifications for CDL drivers to understand where the hard lines are.

How This Affects Exams at OneCare CDL

When I review your medical history, I am required to ask about neurological conditions — and I take those answers seriously. If you disclose a seizure history, I will need documentation. Coming prepared with records from your neurologist saves time and gets you a faster, cleaner result.

HOS Exemption Watch: The 60-Hours/7-Days Rule Is Being Challenged

What Changed

FMCSA published a notice requesting public comment on an application from Colorado Huntsman Transport, Inc. (d/b/a Huntsman Transport) seeking reconsideration of the agency's earlier denial of an exemption from the 60-hours/7-days on-duty limit — one of the foundational hours-of-service rules. (Federal Register, 2026-14412)

Why It Matters for CDL Drivers

This exemption has not been granted — FMCSA is simply opening it up for public comment. But it's worth knowing about because it signals that carriers are continuing to push back on core HOS limits. If FMCSA grants this type of exemption more broadly in the future, it changes how drivers at qualifying carriers track and log their weekly on-duty time. For now, the 60-hour/7-day rule applies to you unless your carrier holds a specific, granted exemption.

What You Should Do Now

• Know your current HOS limits cold. The 60/7 rule means you cannot drive after accumulating 60 hours of on-duty time in any 7 consecutive days (for carriers that don't operate every day of the week).
• If your dispatcher is pushing you past those limits, that's a compliance problem — and it becomes your problem if you're the one behind the wheel.
• Watch the Federal Register for the outcome of this application if your carrier operates on a similar model.

ELD Yard Move Logging: A Small Rule With Real Compliance Teeth

What Changed

FMCSA is reviewing a request from CCS Transportation, Inc. to allow drivers to log short CMV movements on local public roadways — between two CCS facilities — as yard moves (on-duty, not driving) on their ELDs, rather than as driving time. (Federal Register, 2026-14395)

Why It Matters for CDL Drivers

Right now, if you move a CMV on a public road — even a short stretch between two lots — that is logged as driving time on your ELD. CCS is arguing that brief facility-to-facility moves should count as yard moves, which don't eat into your driving window. This notice has not resulted in a decision yet. But if you're currently logging similar moves at your carrier, your ELD entries need to reflect current regulations — not a hoped-for future exemption.

What You Should Do Now

• Log public road movement as driving time until and unless FMCSA grants a specific exemption that applies to your carrier.
• If your carrier has instructed you to log public road moves as yard moves without a granted exemption in place, ask your safety department for documentation. An ELD audit is not the time to discover a logging discrepancy.

Bottom Line

Two of these three notices are still in the comment and review phase — no final decisions have been made on the HOS exemptions. But the epilepsy denial notice is final, and it's a clear reminder that FMCSA is not loosening its medical standards for neurological conditions.

If you have questions about how any of these changes could affect your DOT physical, I'm here. I've been helping drivers in this community stay legally qualified and on the road for over four decades. Whether you're due for a renewal or you've got a medical question you've been putting off, let's talk it through.

Book your appointment online or reach us at /contact. We're appointment-based at 755 Westmoreland Rd, Daytona Beach, FL 32114 — you can also call us at (386) 226-0011.

— Dr. David Jacobsen, DC | OneCare CDL