Qualifications of Drivers; Vision Standards Grandfathering Provision
Summary
This federal rule allows truck drivers who currently have vision problems to continue working under existing standards rather than meeting new, stricter vision requirements. The regulation grandfathers in current drivers, meaning they can keep their jobs even if they wouldn't qualify under updated eye-sight standards going forward.
Key Points
- 1The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is allowing experienced truck drivers to maintain their current status even if they don't meet new vision qualification standards
- 2This grandfathering provision protects drivers who are already employed from being forced to meet stricter eyesight requirements that weren't in place when they were hired
- 3New truck drivers hired after this rule takes effect will have to meet the updated, stricter vision standards to ensure safety on highways
- 4The public comment period runs until March 24, 2026, giving stakeholders time to provide feedback on whether these vision standards are appropriate
- 5This affects commercial truck drivers whose safety records and ability to see clearly directly impact other motorists on the road
Key Dates
February 19, 2026
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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