FMCSA renews hearing exemptions for 14 commercial drivers
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
The notice lets 14 deaf or hard of hearing commercial drivers keep driving commercial motor vehicles across state lines even though they do not meet the standard federal hearing requirement. The exemptions apply from May 15, 2026, through May 15, 2028. Motor carriers employing these drivers should confirm the exemption status and keep compliance records current. FMCSA is also accepting public comments until June 22, 2026.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Renews hearing requirement exemptions for 14 deaf or hard of hearing interstate commercial drivers
- Allows the covered drivers to continue operating commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce
- Sets the exemption period from May 15, 2026, to May 15, 2028, with comments due by June 22, 2026
Obligations
What this law requires
Motor carriers that employ any of the 14 named deaf or hard of hearing interstate CMV drivers should verify that the driver is covered by a valid FMCSA hearing exemption before allowing interstate CMV operation.
Covered drivers may rely on the renewed FMCSA hearing exemptions only during the stated exemption period, from May 15, 2026 through May 15, 2028.
Motor carriers employing covered drivers should keep compliance records current to document the driver's exemption status during the exemption period.