Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 55467-55469 [2011-22758]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2011 / Notices Pearsall reported that he has driven straight trucks for 15 months, accumulating 24,000 miles and tractortrailer combinations for 8 years, accumulating 205,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Phillip M. Pridgen, Sr. Mr. Pridgen, 55, has had optic atrophy in his left eye since 1991. The best corrected visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20 and in his left eye, light perception. Following an examination in 2011, his optometrist noted, ‘‘It is my medical opinion that Mr. Pridgen has sufficient vision to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Pridgen reported that he has driven straight trucks for 2 months, accumulating 12,000 miles and tractor-trailer combinations for 5 years, accumulating 100,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Maryland. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Eric W. Schmidt Mr. Schmidt, 47, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20 and in his left eye, 20/150. Following an examination in 2011, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘Once again it is my medical opinion that Mr. Schmidt has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Schmidt reported that he has driven straight trucks for 10 years, accumulating 250,000 miles. He holds a Class E operator’s license from Missouri. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. emcdonald on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Gerald D. Stidham Mr. Stidham, 49, has a prosthetic right eye due to a traumatic injury that occurred in 2004. The best corrected visual acuity in his left eye is 20/20. Following an examination in 2011, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘It is my opinion, that Mr. Stidham has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks that are required of him, including the operation of commercial vehicles.’’ Mr. Stidham reported that he has driven straight trucks for 20 years, accumulating 260,000 miles and tractortrailer combinations for 6 years, accumulating 156,000 miles. He holds a Class R operator’s license from Colorado. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Sep 06, 2011 Jkt 223001 convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Douglas A. Suraci Mr. Suraci, 47, has had optic neuropathy and retinal damage in his right eye due to a traumatic injury he sustained in 2004. The best corrected visual acuity in his right eye is 20/50 and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2011, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘In my opinion, his fields and eye exam show that he is safe for driving a CMV.’’ Mr. Suraci reported that he has driven straight trucks for 17 years, accumulating 3.4 million miles. He holds a Class D operator’s license from New York. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Michael L. Watters, Sr. Mr. Watters, 56, has had complete loss of vision in his right eye due to a traumatic injury sustained in 2004. The visual acuity in his left eye is 20/25. Following an examination in 2011, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘In my medical opinion, Mr. Watters has sufficient vision to perform driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Watters reported that he has driven tractor-trailer combinations for 10 years, accumulating 1.14 million miles and buses for 1 year, accumulating 3,060 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes but two convictions for speeding in a CMV and failing to yield the right of way. He exceeded the speed limit by 5 mph. Keith Wentz Mr. Wentz, 60, has had a macular scar in his right eye due to radiation treatment since 2002. The best corrected visual acuity in his left eye is 20/20 and in his right eye count-finger vision. Following an examination in 2011, his ophthalmologist noted, ‘‘I feel, in my medical opinion, that he has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. Wentz reported that he has driven straight trucks for 5 years, accumulating 125,000 miles and tractortrailer combinations for 28 years, accumulating 1.4 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Florida. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions described in PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55467 this notice. The Agency will consider all comments received before the close of business October 7, 2011. Comments will be available for examination in the docket at the location listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. The Agency will file comments received after the comment closing date in the public docket, and will consider them to the extent practicable. In addition to late comments, FMCSA will also continue to file, in the public docket, relevant information that becomes available after the comment closing date. Interested persons should monitor the public docket for new material. Issued on: August 29, 2011. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator, Office of Policy. [FR Doc. 2011–22757 Filed 9–6–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–1998–4334; FMCSA– 1999–5578; FMCSA–2000–7363; FMCSA– 2001–9258; FMCSA–2001–9561;FMCSA– 2003–14504; FMCSA–2003–15268; FMCSA– 2005–20027; FMCSA–2005–21254; FMCSA– 2007–27897] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 19 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. SUMMARY: This decision is effective September 23, 2011. Comments must be received on or before October 7, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) numbers: FMCSA– 1998–4334; FMCSA–1999–5578; FMCSA–2000–7363; FMCSA–2001– 9258; FMCSA–2001–9561;FMCSA– DATES: E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1 emcdonald on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES 55468 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2011 / Notices 2003–14504; FMCSA–2003–15268; FMCSA–2005–20027; FMCSA–2005– 21254; FMCSA–2007–27897, using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s Privacy Act Statement for the FDMS published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316), or you may visit https://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/ E8–785.pdf. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical Programs, 202–366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Sep 06, 2011 Jkt 223001 Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The procedures for requesting an exemption (including renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381. Exemption Decision This notice addresses 19 individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 19 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Linda L. Billings Joey E. Buice John A. Chizmar Weldon R. Evans Richard L. Gagnebin Orasio Garcia Leslie W. Good Chester L. Gray James P. Guth Britt D. Hazelwood Gregory K. Lilly Larry T. Morrison Kenneth A. Reddick Leonard Rice, Jr. Juan M. Rosas James T. Sullivan Steven C. Thomas Larry J. Waldner Karl A. Weinert The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) That each individual has a physical examination every year (a) by an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and (b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each individual provides a copy of the ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (3) that each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the driver’s qualification file and retains a copy of the certification on his/her person while driving for presentation to a duly PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application for additional two year periods. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 19 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirements (63 FR 66226; 64 FR 16517; 64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 66 FR 17743; 66 FR 30502; 66 FR 33990; 66 FR 41654; 66 FR 41656; 66 FR 48504; 68 FR 19598; 68 FR 33570; 68 FR 35772; 68 FR 37197; 68 FR 44837; 68 FR 48989; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 2701; 70 FR 16887; 70 FR 30999; 70 FR 41811; 70 FR 42615; 70 FR 46567; 70 FR 53412; 72 FR 39879; 72 FR 40362; 72 FR 52421; 72 FR 52419; 72 FR 62896; 74 FR 34394; 74 FR 43221). Each of these 19 applicants has requested renewal of the exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each record of safety while driving with the respective vision deficiencies over the past two years indicates each applicant continues to meet the vision exemption standards. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to drive safely in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of two years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Request for Comments FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a particular driver’s safety record and determine if the continuation of the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit comments by October 7, 2011. E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 76, No. 173 / Wednesday, September 7, 2011 / Notices FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 can be satisfied by initially granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed, subsequent comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated above, the Agency previously published notices of final disposition announcing its decision to exempt these 19 individuals from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final decision to grant an exemption to each of these individuals was made on the merits of each case and made only after careful consideration of the comments received to its notices of applications. The notices of applications stated in detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register publications. Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. Issued on: August 29, 2011. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator Office of Policy. [FR Doc. 2011–22758 Filed 9–6–11; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No.; FMCSA–2005–20560; FMCSA– 2007–27897; FMCSA–2007–28695] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. emcdonald on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with NOTICES AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 13 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not SUMMARY: VerDate Mar<15>2010 17:37 Sep 06, 2011 Jkt 223001 compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This decision is effective September 27, 2011. Comments must be received on or before October 7, 2011. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) numbers: FMCSA– 2005–20560; FMCSA–2007–27897; FMCSA–2007–28695, using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review DOT’s Privacy Act DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 55469 Statement for the FDMS published in the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316), or you may visit https://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/ E8–785.pdf. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical Programs, 202–366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The procedures for requesting an exemption (including renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381. Exemption Decision This notice addresses 13 individuals who have requested renewal of their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has evaluated these 13 applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are: Dean N. Brown Matthew R. Floyd Christian L. Gremillion Frank D. Konwinski, Jr. Paul G. Mathes Kenneth D. Perkins Terry W. Pope Daniel T. Rhodes Frederick G. Robbins Stephen E. Shields Ricky J. Siebels Don S. Williams Robert L. Williams, Jr. The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) That each individual has a physical examination every year (a) By an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the better eye continues to meet the standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and (b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each individual provides a copy of the ophthalmologist’s or optometrist’s report to the medical examiner at the time of the annual E:\FR\FM\07SEN1.SGM 07SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 76, Number 173 (Wednesday, September 7, 2011)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55467-55469]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2011-22758]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-1999-5578; FMCSA-2000-7363; FMCSA-
2001-9258; FMCSA-2001-9561;FMCSA-2003-14504; FMCSA-2003-15268; FMCSA-
2005-20027; FMCSA-2005-21254; FMCSA-2007-27897]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the 
vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 
19 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals 
from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not 
compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these 
exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to 
or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions 
for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

DATES: This decision is effective September 23, 2011. Comments must be 
received on or before October 7, 2011.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) numbers: FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-1999-5578; 
FMCSA-2000-7363; FMCSA-2001-9258; FMCSA-2001-9561;FMCSA-

[[Page 55468]]

2003-14504; FMCSA-2003-15268; FMCSA-2005-20027; FMCSA-2005-21254; 
FMCSA-2007-27897, using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., West Building Ground 
Floor, Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building Ground Floor, Room 
W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket number for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments 
received without change to https://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act 
heading below.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12-140 
on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) is 
available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want 
acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a self-
addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement 
page that appears after submitting comments on-line.
    Privacy Act: Anyone may search the electronic form of all comments 
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual 
submitting the comment (or of the person signing the comment, if 
submitted on behalf of an association, business, labor union, etc.). 
You may review DOT's Privacy Act Statement for the FDMS published in 
the Federal Register on January 17, 2008 (73 FR 3316), or you may visit 
https://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2008/pdf/E8-785.pdf.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elaine M. Papp, Chief, Medical 
Programs, 202-366-4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE., Room W64-224, Washington, 
DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through 
Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may renew an exemption 
from the vision requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), which applies to 
drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce, for a two-year period if it 
finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is 
equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent 
such exemption.'' The procedures for requesting an exemption (including 
renewals) are set out in 49 CFR part 381.

Exemption Decision

    This notice addresses 19 individuals who have requested renewal of 
their exemptions in accordance with FMCSA procedures. FMCSA has 
evaluated these 19 applications for renewal on their merits and decided 
to extend each exemption for a renewable two-year period. They are:

Linda L. Billings
Joey E. Buice
John A. Chizmar
Weldon R. Evans
Richard L. Gagnebin
Orasio Garcia
Leslie W. Good
Chester L. Gray
James P. Guth
Britt D. Hazelwood
Gregory K. Lilly
Larry T. Morrison
Kenneth A. Reddick
Leonard Rice, Jr.
Juan M. Rosas
James T. Sullivan
Steven C. Thomas
Larry J. Waldner
Karl A. Weinert

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) That each individual has a physical examination every year (a) by 
an ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the 
better eye continues to meet the standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and 
(b) by a medical examiner who attests that the individual is otherwise 
physically qualified under 49 CFR 391.41; (2) that each individual 
provides a copy of the ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the 
medical examiner at the time of the annual medical examination; and (3) 
that each individual provide a copy of the annual medical certification 
to the employer for retention in the driver's qualification file and 
retains a copy of the certification on his/her person while driving for 
presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement 
official. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded 
earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person 
fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the 
exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained 
before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not 
be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315.

Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no 
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon 
application for additional two year periods. In accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 19 applicants has satisfied the 
entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision 
requirements (63 FR 66226; 64 FR 16517; 64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 65 FR 
45817; 65 FR 77066; 66 FR 17743; 66 FR 30502; 66 FR 33990; 66 FR 41654; 
66 FR 41656; 66 FR 48504; 68 FR 19598; 68 FR 33570; 68 FR 35772; 68 FR 
37197; 68 FR 44837; 68 FR 48989; 68 FR 54775; 70 FR 2701; 70 FR 16887; 
70 FR 30999; 70 FR 41811; 70 FR 42615; 70 FR 46567; 70 FR 53412; 72 FR 
39879; 72 FR 40362; 72 FR 52421; 72 FR 52419; 72 FR 62896; 74 FR 34394; 
74 FR 43221). Each of these 19 applicants has requested renewal of the 
exemption and has submitted evidence showing that the vision in the 
better eye continues to meet the standard specified at 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10) and that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a 
review of each record of safety while driving with the respective 
vision deficiencies over the past two years indicates each applicant 
continues to meet the vision exemption standards. These factors provide 
an adequate basis for predicting each driver's ability to continue to 
drive safely in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that 
extending the exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of two 
years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing 
without the exemption.

Request for Comments

    FMCSA will review comments received at any time concerning a 
particular driver's safety record and determine if the continuation of 
the exemption is consistent with the requirements at 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315. However, FMCSA requests that interested parties with 
specific data concerning the safety records of these drivers submit 
comments by October 7, 2011.

[[Page 55469]]

    FMCSA believes that the requirements for a renewal of an exemption 
under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 can be satisfied by initially 
granting the renewal and then requesting and evaluating, if needed, 
subsequent comments submitted by interested parties. As indicated 
above, the Agency previously published notices of final disposition 
announcing its decision to exempt these 19 individuals from the vision 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10). The final decision to grant an 
exemption to each of these individuals was made on the merits of each 
case and made only after careful consideration of the comments received 
to its notices of applications. The notices of applications stated in 
detail the qualifications, experience, and medical condition of each 
applicant for an exemption from the vision requirements. That 
information is available by consulting the above cited Federal Register 
publications.
    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not 
currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately 
notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted 
and if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the 
exemption of a driver.

    Issued on: August 29, 2011.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator Office of Policy.
[FR Doc. 2011-22758 Filed 9-6-11; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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