Final Rule · FR 2026-03258

Qualifications of Drivers; Vision Standards Grandfathering Provision

Published Feb 19, 2026 at 91 FR 7864. A plain-English summary, key dates and a link to the official text.

Data as of: Oct 16, 2026 5:00 PM PDT

02 / In plain English · Medical certification

What this rule does.

Removed the outdated vision “grandfathering” provision for drivers from the 1992–1994 vision waiver study and the 1998–2022 exemption program. The alternative vision standard from 2022 remains the path for drivers who do not meet the standard in their worse eye.

  • Grandfathering provision removed as obsolete.
  • The alternative vision standard still applies.
Official summary from the Federal Register
FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to remove the grandfathering provision under the physical qualifications standards for interstate drivers operating under the vision waiver study program administered from 1992 through 1994, and the vision exemption program operated from 1998 through 2022, as the grandfathering provision is now obsolete. FMCSA's current rules permit individuals who do not satisfy, with the worse eye, either the existing distant visual acuity standard with corrective lenses or the field of vision standard, or both, to be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce under specified conditions.

Our summary restates the rule’s official abstract. It is not legal advice; the rule text (91 FR 7864) and any later amendments control.

03 / Key dates

Dates to know.

Published
Feb 19, 2026
Effective
Mar 23, 2026

04 / The record

Document details.

Federal Register document number
2026-03258
Document type
Final Rule
Docket IDs
Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0113
Regulation Identifier Number (RIN)
2126-AC87

05 / Official source

Read the original.

Read the full text and details of this final rule at the Federal Register.

View on FederalRegister.gov (opens in a new tab)

This page provides structured facts from the official Federal Register document. It does not constitute legal advice. Always verify with official sources and consult qualified professionals.

06 / Calendar

Keep the dates in view.

Important dates from this document are included in the regulatory calendar and iCalendar feed.

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