Self Reporting of Out-of-State Convictions, 24684-24688 [2013-09915]
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Federal Register / Vol. 78, No. 81 / Friday, April 26, 2013 / Rules and Regulations
January 11, 2013, at 78 FR 2572. That
document set March 12, 2013, as the
effective date for the Report and Order,
with two exceptions. The delegation of
authority to the Wireline Competition
Bureau to implement a data collection
in accordance with the terms of the
Report and Order became effective upon
adoption as specified in paragraph 137
of the document published at 78 FR
2572, January 11, 2013. Also, the
information and recordkeeping
requirements adopted in the Report and
Order will not become effective until
publication of an announcement in the
Federal Register that these requirements
have been approved by the OMB.
This document corrects the effective
date of the Report and Order to comply
with the requirements of the CRA, 5
U.S.C. 801–808. The Report and Order
was classified as a major rule subject to
congressional review. 5 U.S.C. 804(2).
Pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(3)(A), a
major rule cannot be made effective
until 60 days after the latter of
publication in the Federal Register or
receipt by Congress of a report in
compliance with the CRA, 5 U.S.C.
801(a)(1). Congress did not receive the
CRA report until January 24, 2013,
thirteen days after publication of the
final rule document in the Federal
Register. Consequently, the Report and
Order (except for the information
collection requirement and the
delegation of authority) is effective 60
days after that date.
As a result, the Commission issued an
Erratum to the Report and Order
delaying the effective date (except the
information collection rules and the
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publication, which was inadvertently
delayed, provides notice of the effective
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Federal Communications Commission.
Deena Shetler,
Associate Bureau Chief, Wireline Competition
Bureau.
[FR Doc. 2013–09708 Filed 4–25–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
49 CFR Parts 383 and 384
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[Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0172]
RIN 2126–AB43
Self Reporting of Out-of-State
Convictions
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
AGENCY:
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ACTION:
Final rule.
FMCSA amends its
commercial driver’s license (CDL) rules
to eliminate the requirement for drivers
to notify the State licensing agency that
issued their commercial learner’s permit
(CLP) or CDL of out-of-State traffic
convictions when those convictions
occur in States that have a certified CDL
program in substantial compliance with
FMCSA’s rules. Current regulations
require both CDL holders and States
with certified CDL programs to report a
CDL holder’s out-of-State traffic
conviction to the driver’s State of
licensure. This final rule amends the
CDL rules to eliminate this reporting
redundancy for those cases in which the
conviction occurs in a State that has a
certified CDL program in substantial
compliance with FMCSA’s regulations.
This change will reduce a regulatory
burden on individual CLP and CDL
holders and State driver licensing
agencies. This rule is responsive to
Executive Order (E.O.) 13563
‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory
Review,’’ issued January 18, 2011.
DATES: The final rule is effective May
28, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For access to the docket to
read background documents, including
those referenced in this document, or to
read comments received, go to https://
www.regulations.gov at any time and
insert ‘‘FMCSA–2012–0172’’ in the
‘‘Keyword’’ box, and then click
‘‘Search.’’ You may also view the docket
online by visiting the Docket
Management Facility in Room W12–
140, DOT Building, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays.
Anyone is able to search the
electronic form for all comments
received into any of our dockets by the
name of the individual submitting the
comment (or signing the comment, if
submitted on behalf of an association,
business, labor union, etc.). You may
review the U.S. Department of
Transportation’s DOT complete Privacy
Act Statement in the Federal Register
published on December 29, 2010 (75 FR
82132), or you may visit https://
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-12-29/
pdf/2010-32876.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Robert Redmond, Office of Enforcement,
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration, 1200 New Jersey
Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–
0001, by telephone at (202) 366–5014 or
via email at robert.redmond@dot.gov.
Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
e.t., Monday through Friday, except
SUMMARY:
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Federal holidays. If you have questions
on viewing material to the docket,
contact Barbara J. Hairston, Acting
Program Manager, Docket Operations,
telephone (202) 366–9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents for Preamble
Executive Summary
Legal Basis for Rulemaking
Background
Discussion of Comments
Section-by-Section Discussion of Regulatory
Changes
Regulatory Analyses
Executive Summary
Purpose of the Rule and Summary of
Major Provisions
This final rule amends the
commercial driver’s license (CDL) rules
to eliminate the requirement for drivers
to notify the State driver licensing
agency (SDLA) that issued their
commercial learner’s permit (CLP) or
CDL of out-of-State traffic convictions
when those convictions occur in States
that have a certified CDL program in
substantial compliance with the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s
rules. The elimination of this reporting
redundancy will reduce a regulatory
burden on individual CLP and CDL
holders and SDLAs.
This rule also responds to Executive
Order (E.O.) 13563 ‘‘Improving
Regulation and Regulatory Review,’’
issued January 18, 2011.
Costs and Benefits
The anticipated benefits of the rule
will take the form of reduced paperwork
burden hours and expenditures for the
reporting of out-of-State traffic
convictions. Neither the benefits nor the
costs of eliminating this regulatory
burden can be quantified at this time.
States will continue to rely on State-toState reporting, which is more accurate
and secure than driver self-reporting.
Legal Basis for Rulemaking
Congress enacted the Commercial
Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986
(CMVSA) [Pub. L. 99–570, Title XII, 100
Stat. 3207–170, 49 U.S.C. chapter 313]
to improve highway safety by ensuring
that drivers of large trucks and buses are
qualified to operate those vehicles and
to remove unsafe and unqualified
drivers from the highways. To achieve
these goals, the CMVSA established the
CDL program and required States to
ensure that drivers convicted of certain
serious traffic violations are prohibited
from operating commercial motor
vehicles (CMVs). Although State
participation in the CDL program is
voluntary, CMVSA created incentives
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by conditioning certain Federal highway
and grant funding on States maintaining
a certified CDL program (CMVSA secs.
12010, 12011, codified at 49 U.S.C.
31313, 31314). One of the CMVSA’s
CDL program requirements was that
States report CDL holders’ out-of-State
traffic convictions to their licensing
States within 10 days of the conviction
(CMVSA sec. 12009(a)(9) codified at 49
U.S.C. 31311). The CMVSA also
established a requirement for CDL
holders to report these same out-of-State
traffic convictions to their licensing
States within 30 days of the conviction
(CMVSA sec. 12003(a)(1), codified at 49
U.S.C. 31303(a)). Congress authorized
the Secretary to issue regulations to
implement these provisions (CMVSA
sec. 12018(a), codified at 49 U.S.C.
31317). The Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA), FMCSA’s
predecessor, subsequently issued
regulations, including 49 CFR 383.31(a),
which implemented the requirement
that CDL holders report out-of-State
traffic convictions to their licensing
States (52 FR 20574, June 1, 1987).
FHWA did not issue regulations
implementing the States’ reporting
requirement at that time.
On July 5, 1994, Congress recodified
title 49 of the U.S.C. [Pub. L. 103–272,
108 Stat. 745 (the 1994 Recodification
Act)]. Among other things, the 1994
Recodification Act clarifies who had the
obligation to report CDL holders’ out-ofState violations: the State or the driver.
The 1994 Recodification Act added
language making it explicit that States
must report an out-of-State CDL holder’s
traffic conviction to the licensing State
within 10 days of the conviction (108
Stat. 1024, 49 U.S.C. 31311(a)(9)).
However, Congress did not repeal the
requirement that individual CDL
holders report the same information
within 30 days of conviction.
The Motor Carrier Safety
Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA) [Pub.
L. 106–159, 113 Stat. 1748] amended
numerous provisions of title 49 of the
U.S.C. related to the licensing and
sanctioning of CMV drivers required to
hold a CDL and directed the Secretary
to amend regulations to correct specific
weaknesses in the CDL program. One
such provision directed the Secretary to
develop a uniform system for the Stateto-State electronic transmission of outof-State CDL holders’ traffic conviction
information. FMCSA subsequently
issued regulations implementing MCSIA
and other statutory requirements,
including CMVSA sec. 12009(a)(9).
Those regulations included 49 CFR
384.209, which requires States to report
out-of-State CDL holders’ traffic
convictions to their licensing States as
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a minimum requirement of maintaining
a certified CDL program (67 FR 49742,
July 31, 2002).
The FMCSA Administrator has been
delegated authority under 49 CFR
1.87(e)(1) to carry out the CMVSA
functions vested in the Secretary.
Background
This final rule arises as a result of
Presidential Executive Order (E.O.)
13563, issued January 18, 2011,
‘‘Improving Regulation and Regulatory
Review’’ (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011),
which prompted DOT to publish a
notice in the Federal Register (76 FR
8940, February 16, 2011) requesting
comments on a plan for reviewing
existing rules, as well as identification
of existing rules that DOT should review
because they may be outmoded,
ineffective, insufficient, or excessively
burdensome. DOT placed all
retrospective regulatory review
comments, including a transcript of a
March 14, 2011, public meeting, in
docket DOT–OST–2011–0025. DOT
received comments from 102 members
of the public, with many providing
multiple suggestions.
In connection with this initiative, a
commenter identified as appropriate for
review the requirements of 49 CFR
383.31(a) and 384.209, which provide
for both individual CDL holders and
States with certified CDL programs to
report the same information about CDL
holders’ out-of-State convictions.
FMCSA agreed with this suggestion.
Although States were not required to
participate in FMCSA’s CDL
certification program, all 50 States and
the District of Columbia currently
maintain certified programs, due in part
to the financial incentives described
below. Additionally States could be decertified and lose their authority to issue
CDLs. In practice, this means that
compliance with both §§ 383.31(a) and
384.209 result in a reporting
redundancy.
On August 2, 2012, FMCSA published
a notice of proposed rulemaking in the
Federal Register (77 FR 46010). FMCSA
proposed to eliminate this redundant
reporting practice by providing that, if
a State in which the conviction occurs
has a certified CDL program in
substantial compliance with FMCSA’s
regulations, then an individual CDL
holder convicted in that State would be
considered to be in compliance with
his/her out-of-State traffic conviction
reporting obligations because the State
where the conviction occurred will
report the violation to the CDL holder’s
State of licensure. FMCSA received six
public comments and made changes to
the proposed rule in response to these
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comments, which are detailed in part
III, Discussion of Comments.
Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received six comments in
response to the NPRM. The commenters
included Advocates for Highway and
Auto Safety (Advocates), Werner
Enterprises (Werner), The National
School Transportation Association
(NSTA), Edison Electric Institute (EEI),
State of New York Department of Motor
Vehicles, and American Trucking
Associations (ATA).
Overall, most commenters supported
FMCSA’s objective of eliminating a
redundant reporting practice. Two
commenters recommended back-up
reporting provisions, should any State
reporting a driver conviction suddenly
become noncompliant with the CDL
program. One commenter requested that
the Agency provide documented proof
of compliant CDL reporting programs
prior to eliminating the driver reporting
requirement. A commenter was
concerned about general safety issues
that could occur as a result of
eliminating the driver reporting
requirement. These comments are
discussed in greater detail below.
Suggested Back-Up Reporting Provisions
Comments
The Agency received two comments
regarding back-up reporting provisions.
Werner was concerned that drivers
would not know whether a State is in
compliance with the conviction
reporting requirement. Werner offered
two options for letting the driver know
if the State is in compliance: (1) Require
the reporting State to provide the driver
with a notice that it is in compliance
with 49 CFR part 384, subpart B, and
has not been de-certified in accordance
with 49 CFR 384.405. This would let the
driver know that there is no obligation
to report the conviction as the reporting
State will report it; or (2) add language
to 49 CFR 383.31(d) to create a
presumption that every State is in
compliance.
ATA was also concerned drivers
would not know whether a State is in
compliance with conviction reporting
requirements. ATA proposed modifying
49 CFR 384.307 to provide that FMCSA
would publish a notice in the Federal
Register to alert drivers that their selfreporting requirements under 49 CFR
383.31 had been reactivated if FMCSA
determines that a State is not in
substantial compliance with the
regulations or intends to withdraw from
the CDL program.
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FMCSA Response
If a State is no longer in compliance
with the conviction reporting
requirements, FMCSA agrees that
drivers should be given notice. At this
time FMCSA believes a more effective
alternative is to alert drivers that their
self-reporting requirements under 49
CFR 383.31 have been reactivated
through a Federal Register notice, as
suggested by the ATA, and also to
provide notification by way of the
FMCSA Web site and other social
media. The Agency however, believes
the requirement should be incorporated
into new § 384.409 under Subpart D of
part 384, which addresses the
consequences of State noncompliance.
Therefore, the Agency has incorporated
language in the final rule in new
§ 384.409 to implement this solution.
Provision of Documented Proof of
Compliant CDL Reporting Programs
Comment
Advocates requested that FMCSA
determine the effectiveness and
timeliness of State CDL programs to
capture out-of-State convictions and
provide the public with documentation
of their effectiveness. Until data can be
presented that demonstrates that all
States have adopted compliant CDL
reporting programs and that the home
States of commercial drivers are
receiving out-of-State convictions and
acting on that information when
appropriate, Advocates maintained that
the driver reporting requirement should
not be eliminated.
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FMCSA Response
States are required in 49 CFR 384.209
to report out-of-State convictions to the
State of licensure within 10 days of the
conviction. As a part of CDL program
certification, FMCSA and the American
Association of Motor Vehicle
Administrators (AAMVA) monitor the
timeliness and accuracy of conviction
data being sent from the State of
conviction to the State of licensure and
generate a monthly report. If a State
shows a continuing pattern of not being
timely or sending inaccurate data,
FMCSA and AAMVA work with the
State to correct the deficiency.
States have been showing a steady
improvement in the timeliness of
reporting conviction data from the State
of conviction to the State of licensure.
Safety Concerns
Comment
The NSTA was concerned about the
delay between when the State of
conviction notifies the State of
licensure, the State of licensure notifies
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the employer, and appropriate action,
including notification to the insurance
company, is taken by the employer. If a
driver is not required to report a
conviction to his State of licensure, this
delay would allow some drivers to
continue to operate a school bus
following a conviction.
FMCSA Response
Eliminating the requirement that the
CDL holder report a conviction to the
State of licensure does not eliminate the
driver responsibility in 49 CFR
383.31(b) to report the conviction to his
or her employer within 30 days of the
conviction.
Section-by-Section Discussion of
Regulatory Changes
Part 383 Commercial Driver’s License
Standards; Requirements and Penalties
Section 383.31. FMCSA adds an
introductory phrase to paragraph (a) that
clarifies that the addition of new
paragraph (d) is the exception for this
section. FMCSA adopts paragraph
383.31(d) as proposed, which provides
that if the State in which a CLP or CDL
holder is convicted for a traffic control
violation has an FMCSA-certified CDL
program, the Agency would consider
the CLP or CDL holder to be in
compliance with § 383.31(a).
Part 384 State Compliance With
Commercial Driver’s License Program
Section 384.409. FMCSA adds new
§ 384.409 to specify the means of
notification to CLP and CDL holders
when it determines that a State is not in
substantial compliance, or when it
issues a decertification order prohibiting
a State from issuing commercial driver’s
licenses.
Regulatory Analyses
Executive Order (E.O.) 12866
(Regulatory Planning and Review) and
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
as Supplemented by E.O. 13563)
FMCSA has determined that this final
rule is not a significant regulatory action
within the meaning of Executive Order
(E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and
Review,’’ 58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993),
as supplemented by E.O. 13563 (76 FR
3821, January 21, 2011), or within the
meaning of DOT regulatory policies and
procedures (DOT Order 2100.5 dated
May 22, 1980; 44 FR 11034, February
26, 1979). Any costs associated with this
rule are expected to be minimal, and, in
any event, the estimated cost of the rule
is not expected to exceed the $100
million annual threshold for economic
significance.
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The issuance of driver notifications is
the only substantive difference in this
final rule from the published NPRM (77
FR 46010, August 2, 2012). If a State is
no longer in substantial compliance
with the conviction reporting
requirements of 49 CFR 384.209 or
issues a decertification order prohibiting
a State from issuing commercial drivers
licenses, FMCSA will alert drivers that
they must comply with the selfreporting requirements under 49 CFR
383.31 using a Federal Register notice,
its Web site and social media. This
notification requirement is applicable to
FMCSA and as such will not impose
additional costs to the 50 States and
District of Columbia which currently
maintain certified CDL programs, nor to
individual CLP or CDL holders.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980
(5 U.S.C. et seq.) requires Federal
agencies to consider the effects of the
regulatory action on small business and
other small entities and to minimize any
significant economic impact. The term
‘‘small entities’’ comprises small
business and not-for-profit organizations
that are independently owned and
operated and are not dominant in their
fields and governmental jurisdictions
with populations of less than 50,000.1
Accordingly, DOT policy requires an
analysis of the impact of all regulations
on small entities and mandates that
agencies strive to lessen any adverse
effects on these businesses.
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act,
as amended by the Small Business
Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
1996 (Pub. L. 104–121, 110 Stat. 857),
the final rule is not expected to have a
significant economic impact on a
substantial number of small entities.
Consequently, I certify that this final
rule would not have a significant
economic impact on a substantial
number of small entities.
Assistance for Small Entities
In accordance with section 213(a) of
the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996,
FMCSA wants to assist small entities in
understanding this rule so that they can
better evaluate its effects on them. If the
rule affects your small business,
organization, or governmental
jurisdiction and you have questions
concerning its provisions or options for
compliance, please consult the FMCSA
point of contact, Robert Redmond, listed
1 Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.)
see National Archives at https://www.archives.gov/
federal-register/laws/regulatory-flexibility/601.html.
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in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
CONTACT section of this final rule.
Small businesses may send comments
on the actions of Federal employees
who enforce or otherwise determine
compliance with Federal regulations to
the Small Business Administration’s
Small Business and Agriculture
Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman
and the Regional Small Business
Regulatory Fairness Boards. The
Ombudsman evaluates these actions
annually and rates each agency’s
responsiveness to small business. If you
wish to comment on actions by
employees of FMCSA, call 1–888–REG–
FAIR (1–888–734–3247).
Agency does not believe that this
regulatory action could create an
environmental or safety risk that could
disproportionately affect children.
E.O. 12630 (Taking of Private Property)
FMCSA reviewed this final rule in
accordance with E.O. 12630,
Governmental Actions and Interference
with Constitutionally Protected Property
Rights, and has determined it will not
effect a taking of private property or
otherwise have taking implications.
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
This final rule does not impose an
unfunded Federal mandate, as defined
by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act
of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1532 et seq.), that
would result in the expenditure by
State, local, and tribal governments, in
the aggregate, or by the private sector, of
$141.3 million (which is the value of
$100 million in 2010 after adjusting for
inflation) or more in any single year.
E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
A rule has implications for
Federalism under Section 1(a) of E.O.
13132 if it has ‘‘substantial direct effects
on the States, on the relationship
between the national government and
the States, or on the distribution of
power and responsibilities among the
various levels of government.’’ FMCSA
has determined that this rule will not
have substantial direct effects on States,
nor would it limit the policymaking
discretion of States. Nothing in this
document preempts any State law or
regulation.
Privacy Impact Assessment
Section 522 of title I of division H of
the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2005, enacted December 8, 2004 (Pub. L.
108–447, 118 Stat. 2809, 3268, 5 U.S.C.
552a note), requires the Agency to
conduct a privacy impact assessment
(PIA) of a regulation that will affect the
privacy of individuals. This rule does
not require the collection of any
personally identifiable information.
The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a)
applies only to Federal agencies and any
non-Federal agency which receives
records contained in a system of records
from a Federal agency for use in a
matching program. FMCSA has
determined this rule will not result in
a new or revised Privacy Act System of
Records for FMCSA.
E.O. 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)
The regulations implementing E.O.
12372 regarding intergovernmental
consultation on Federal programs and
activities do not apply to this program.
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E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)
This final rule meets applicable
standards in sections 3(a) and 3(b)(2) of
E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to
minimize litigation, eliminate
ambiguity, and reduce burden.
E.O. 13045 (Protection of Children)
E.O. 13045, Protection of Children
from Environmental Health Risks and
Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, Apr. 23,
1997), requires agencies issuing
‘‘economically significant’’ rules, if the
regulation also concerns an
environmental health or safety risk that
an agency has reason to believe may
disproportionately affect children, to
include an evaluation of the regulation’s
environmental health and safety effects
on children. The Agency determined
this rule is not economically significant.
Therefore, no analysis of the impacts on
children is required. In any event, the
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Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act
of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.), Federal
agencies must obtain approval from the
Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) for each collection of
information they conduct, sponsor, or
require through regulations. FMCSA
anticipates this final rule would result
in a paperwork burden reduction that
the Agency is unable to quantify, at this
time.
National Environmental Policy Act and
Clean Air Act
FMCSA analyzed this rule for the
purpose of the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et
seq.) and determined this action is
categorically excluded from further
analysis and documentation in an
environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement under
FMCSA Order 5610.1(69 FR 9680,
March 1, 2004), Appendix 2, paragraphs
(6)(s)(2), This categorical exclusion
covers requirements for drivers to notify
their States of licensure of certain
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24687
convictions. This final rule is covered
by this categorical exclusion and in any
event does not have a significant effect
on the quality of the environment. The
categorical exclusion determination is
available for inspection or copying in
the Regulations.gov Web site listed
under ADDRESSES.
FMCSA also analyzed this rule under
the Clean Air Act, as amended (CAA),
section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.),
and implementing regulations
promulgated by the Environmental
Protection Agency. Approval of this
action is exempt from the CAA’s general
conformity requirement since it does
not affect direct or indirect emissions of
criteria pollutants.
E.O. 13211 (Energy Supply, Distribution
or Use)
FMCSA analyzed this rule under E.O.
13211, Actions Concerning Regulations
That Significantly Affect Energy Supply,
Distribution, or Use. The Agency has
determined that it is not a ‘‘significant
energy action’’ under that order because
it is not a ‘‘significant regulatory action’’
under E.O. 12866 and is not likely to
have a significant adverse effect on the
supply, distribution, or use of energy.
Therefore, no Statement of Energy
Effects is required.
E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
This rule does not have tribal
implications under E.O. 13175,
Consultation and Coordination with
Indian Tribal Governments, because it
does not have a substantial direct effect
on one or more Indian tribes, on the
relationship between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes, or on the
distribution of power and
responsibilities between the Federal
Government and Indian tribes.
National Technology Transfer and
Advancement Act (Technical
Standards)
The National Technology Transfer
and Advancement Act (15 U.S.C. 272
note) directs agencies to use voluntary
consensus standards in their regulatory
activities unless the agency provides
Congress, through OMB, with an
explanation of why using these
standards would be inconsistent with
applicable law or otherwise impractical.
Voluntary consensus standards are
technical standards (e.g., specifications
of materials, performance, design, or
operation; test methods; sampling
procedures; and related management
systems practices) that are developed or
adopted by voluntary consensus
standards bodies. This rule does not use
technical standards. Therefore, we did
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§ 383.31 Notification of convictions for
driver violations.
not consider the use of voluntary
consensus standards.
List of Subjects
49 CFR Part 383
Administrative practice and
procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse,
Highway safety, Motor carriers.
49 CFR Part 384
Administrative practice and
procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse,
Highway safety, Incorporation by
reference, Motor carriers.
For the reasons discussed in the
preamble, FMCSA amends 49 CFR parts
383 and 384 as follows:
PART 383—COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S
LICENSE STANDARDS;
REQUIREMENTS AND PENALTIES
1. The authority citation for part 383
is revised to read as follows:
■
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 521, 31136, 31301 et
seq., and 31502; secs. 214 and 215 of Pub. L.
106–159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1766, 1767; sec.
1012(b) of Pub. L. 107–56, 115 Stat. 272, 297,
sec. 4140 of Pub. L. 109–59, 119 Stat. 1144,
1746; and 49 CFR 1.87.
2. Amend § 383.31 by revising
paragraph (a) and adding paragraph (d)
to read as follows:
erowe on DSK2VPTVN1PROD with RULES
■
VerDate Mar<15>2010
14:45 Apr 25, 2013
Jkt 229001
(a) Except as provided in paragraph
(d) of this section, each person who
operates a commercial motor vehicle,
who has a commercial learner’s permit
or commercial driver’s license issued by
a State or jurisdiction, and who is
convicted of violating, in any type of
motor vehicle, a State or local law
relating to motor vehicle traffic control
(other than a parking violation) in a
State or jurisdiction other than the one
which issued his/her permit or license,
shall notify an official designated by the
State or jurisdiction which issued such
permit or license, of such conviction.
The notification must be made within
30 days after the date that the person
has been convicted.
*
*
*
*
*
(d) A person is considered to be in
compliance with the requirements of
paragraph (a) of this section if the
conviction occurs in a State or
jurisdiction that is in substantial
compliance with 49 CFR 384.209 and
has not been de-certified in accordance
with 49 CFR 384.405.
PART 384—STATE COMPLIANCE
WITH COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S
LICENSE PROGRAM
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31301 et seq.,
and 31502; secs. 103 and 215 of Pub. L. 106–
59, 113 Stat. 1753, 1767; and 49 CFR 1.87.
4. Amend subpart D by adding
§ 384.409 to read as follows:
■
§ 384.409
Notification of noncompliance.
If FMCSA determines that a State is
not in substantial compliance with
§ 384.209, or if FMCSA issues a
decertification order prohibiting a State
from issuing commercial driver’s
licenses, FMCSA will notify commercial
learner’s permit and commercial
driver’s license holders of these actions
by publication of a Federal Register
notice. The notification will advise
commercial learner’s permit and
commercial driver’s license holders that
they must comply with the selfreporting requirements of § 383.31(a)
with respect to convictions obtained in
that State until such time that FMCSA
determines the State to be in substantial
compliance.
Issued under the authority of delegation in
49 CFR 1.87 on: April 16, 2013.
Anne S. Ferro,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013–09915 Filed 4–25–13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE P
3. The authority citation for part 384
continues to read as follows:
■
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26APR1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 81 (Friday, April 26, 2013)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 24684-24688]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-09915]
=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
49 CFR Parts 383 and 384
[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0172]
RIN 2126-AB43
Self Reporting of Out-of-State Convictions
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Final rule.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: FMCSA amends its commercial driver's license (CDL) rules to
eliminate the requirement for drivers to notify the State licensing
agency that issued their commercial learner's permit (CLP) or CDL of
out-of-State traffic convictions when those convictions occur in States
that have a certified CDL program in substantial compliance with
FMCSA's rules. Current regulations require both CDL holders and States
with certified CDL programs to report a CDL holder's out-of-State
traffic conviction to the driver's State of licensure. This final rule
amends the CDL rules to eliminate this reporting redundancy for those
cases in which the conviction occurs in a State that has a certified
CDL program in substantial compliance with FMCSA's regulations. This
change will reduce a regulatory burden on individual CLP and CDL
holders and State driver licensing agencies. This rule is responsive to
Executive Order (E.O.) 13563 ``Improving Regulation and Regulatory
Review,'' issued January 18, 2011.
DATES: The final rule is effective May 28, 2013.
ADDRESSES: For access to the docket to read background documents,
including those referenced in this document, or to read comments
received, go to https://www.regulations.gov at any time and insert
``FMCSA-2012-0172'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and then click ``Search.''
You may also view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management
Facility in Room W12-140, DOT Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays.
Anyone is able to search the electronic form for all comments
received into any of our dockets by the name of the individual
submitting the comment (or signing the comment, if submitted on behalf
of an association, business, labor union, etc.). You may review the
U.S. Department of Transportation's DOT complete Privacy Act Statement
in the Federal Register published on December 29, 2010 (75 FR 82132),
or you may visit https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2010-12-29/pdf/2010-32876.pdf.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Robert Redmond, Office of Enforcement,
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue
SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001, by telephone at (202) 366-5014 or via
email at robert.redmond@dot.gov. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have
questions on viewing material to the docket, contact Barbara J.
Hairston, Acting Program Manager, Docket Operations, telephone (202)
366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Table of Contents for Preamble
Executive Summary
Legal Basis for Rulemaking
Background
Discussion of Comments
Section-by-Section Discussion of Regulatory Changes
Regulatory Analyses
Executive Summary
Purpose of the Rule and Summary of Major Provisions
This final rule amends the commercial driver's license (CDL) rules
to eliminate the requirement for drivers to notify the State driver
licensing agency (SDLA) that issued their commercial learner's permit
(CLP) or CDL of out-of-State traffic convictions when those convictions
occur in States that have a certified CDL program in substantial
compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's
rules. The elimination of this reporting redundancy will reduce a
regulatory burden on individual CLP and CDL holders and SDLAs.
This rule also responds to Executive Order (E.O.) 13563 ``Improving
Regulation and Regulatory Review,'' issued January 18, 2011.
Costs and Benefits
The anticipated benefits of the rule will take the form of reduced
paperwork burden hours and expenditures for the reporting of out-of-
State traffic convictions. Neither the benefits nor the costs of
eliminating this regulatory burden can be quantified at this time.
States will continue to rely on State-to-State reporting, which is more
accurate and secure than driver self-reporting.
Legal Basis for Rulemaking
Congress enacted the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986
(CMVSA) [Pub. L. 99-570, Title XII, 100 Stat. 3207-170, 49 U.S.C.
chapter 313] to improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers of
large trucks and buses are qualified to operate those vehicles and to
remove unsafe and unqualified drivers from the highways. To achieve
these goals, the CMVSA established the CDL program and required States
to ensure that drivers convicted of certain serious traffic violations
are prohibited from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
Although State participation in the CDL program is voluntary, CMVSA
created incentives
[[Page 24685]]
by conditioning certain Federal highway and grant funding on States
maintaining a certified CDL program (CMVSA secs. 12010, 12011, codified
at 49 U.S.C. 31313, 31314). One of the CMVSA's CDL program requirements
was that States report CDL holders' out-of-State traffic convictions to
their licensing States within 10 days of the conviction (CMVSA sec.
12009(a)(9) codified at 49 U.S.C. 31311). The CMVSA also established a
requirement for CDL holders to report these same out-of-State traffic
convictions to their licensing States within 30 days of the conviction
(CMVSA sec. 12003(a)(1), codified at 49 U.S.C. 31303(a)). Congress
authorized the Secretary to issue regulations to implement these
provisions (CMVSA sec. 12018(a), codified at 49 U.S.C. 31317). The
Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), FMCSA's predecessor,
subsequently issued regulations, including 49 CFR 383.31(a), which
implemented the requirement that CDL holders report out-of-State
traffic convictions to their licensing States (52 FR 20574, June 1,
1987). FHWA did not issue regulations implementing the States'
reporting requirement at that time.
On July 5, 1994, Congress recodified title 49 of the U.S.C. [Pub.
L. 103-272, 108 Stat. 745 (the 1994 Recodification Act)]. Among other
things, the 1994 Recodification Act clarifies who had the obligation to
report CDL holders' out-of-State violations: the State or the driver.
The 1994 Recodification Act added language making it explicit that
States must report an out-of-State CDL holder's traffic conviction to
the licensing State within 10 days of the conviction (108 Stat. 1024,
49 U.S.C. 31311(a)(9)). However, Congress did not repeal the
requirement that individual CDL holders report the same information
within 30 days of conviction.
The Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA) [Pub. L.
106-159, 113 Stat. 1748] amended numerous provisions of title 49 of the
U.S.C. related to the licensing and sanctioning of CMV drivers required
to hold a CDL and directed the Secretary to amend regulations to
correct specific weaknesses in the CDL program. One such provision
directed the Secretary to develop a uniform system for the State-to-
State electronic transmission of out-of-State CDL holders' traffic
conviction information. FMCSA subsequently issued regulations
implementing MCSIA and other statutory requirements, including CMVSA
sec. 12009(a)(9). Those regulations included 49 CFR 384.209, which
requires States to report out-of-State CDL holders' traffic convictions
to their licensing States as a minimum requirement of maintaining a
certified CDL program (67 FR 49742, July 31, 2002).
The FMCSA Administrator has been delegated authority under 49 CFR
1.87(e)(1) to carry out the CMVSA functions vested in the Secretary.
Background
This final rule arises as a result of Presidential Executive Order
(E.O.) 13563, issued January 18, 2011, ``Improving Regulation and
Regulatory Review'' (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), which prompted DOT
to publish a notice in the Federal Register (76 FR 8940, February 16,
2011) requesting comments on a plan for reviewing existing rules, as
well as identification of existing rules that DOT should review because
they may be outmoded, ineffective, insufficient, or excessively
burdensome. DOT placed all retrospective regulatory review comments,
including a transcript of a March 14, 2011, public meeting, in docket
DOT-OST-2011-0025. DOT received comments from 102 members of the
public, with many providing multiple suggestions.
In connection with this initiative, a commenter identified as
appropriate for review the requirements of 49 CFR 383.31(a) and
384.209, which provide for both individual CDL holders and States with
certified CDL programs to report the same information about CDL
holders' out-of-State convictions. FMCSA agreed with this suggestion.
Although States were not required to participate in FMCSA's CDL
certification program, all 50 States and the District of Columbia
currently maintain certified programs, due in part to the financial
incentives described below. Additionally States could be de-certified
and lose their authority to issue CDLs. In practice, this means that
compliance with both Sec. Sec. 383.31(a) and 384.209 result in a
reporting redundancy.
On August 2, 2012, FMCSA published a notice of proposed rulemaking
in the Federal Register (77 FR 46010). FMCSA proposed to eliminate this
redundant reporting practice by providing that, if a State in which the
conviction occurs has a certified CDL program in substantial compliance
with FMCSA's regulations, then an individual CDL holder convicted in
that State would be considered to be in compliance with his/her out-of-
State traffic conviction reporting obligations because the State where
the conviction occurred will report the violation to the CDL holder's
State of licensure. FMCSA received six public comments and made changes
to the proposed rule in response to these comments, which are detailed
in part III, Discussion of Comments.
Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received six comments in response to the NPRM. The commenters
included Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates), Werner
Enterprises (Werner), The National School Transportation Association
(NSTA), Edison Electric Institute (EEI), State of New York Department
of Motor Vehicles, and American Trucking Associations (ATA).
Overall, most commenters supported FMCSA's objective of eliminating
a redundant reporting practice. Two commenters recommended back-up
reporting provisions, should any State reporting a driver conviction
suddenly become noncompliant with the CDL program. One commenter
requested that the Agency provide documented proof of compliant CDL
reporting programs prior to eliminating the driver reporting
requirement. A commenter was concerned about general safety issues that
could occur as a result of eliminating the driver reporting
requirement. These comments are discussed in greater detail below.
Suggested Back-Up Reporting Provisions
Comments
The Agency received two comments regarding back-up reporting
provisions. Werner was concerned that drivers would not know whether a
State is in compliance with the conviction reporting requirement.
Werner offered two options for letting the driver know if the State is
in compliance: (1) Require the reporting State to provide the driver
with a notice that it is in compliance with 49 CFR part 384, subpart B,
and has not been de-certified in accordance with 49 CFR 384.405. This
would let the driver know that there is no obligation to report the
conviction as the reporting State will report it; or (2) add language
to 49 CFR 383.31(d) to create a presumption that every State is in
compliance.
ATA was also concerned drivers would not know whether a State is in
compliance with conviction reporting requirements. ATA proposed
modifying 49 CFR 384.307 to provide that FMCSA would publish a notice
in the Federal Register to alert drivers that their self-reporting
requirements under 49 CFR 383.31 had been reactivated if FMCSA
determines that a State is not in substantial compliance with the
regulations or intends to withdraw from the CDL program.
[[Page 24686]]
FMCSA Response
If a State is no longer in compliance with the conviction reporting
requirements, FMCSA agrees that drivers should be given notice. At this
time FMCSA believes a more effective alternative is to alert drivers
that their self-reporting requirements under 49 CFR 383.31 have been
reactivated through a Federal Register notice, as suggested by the ATA,
and also to provide notification by way of the FMCSA Web site and other
social media. The Agency however, believes the requirement should be
incorporated into new Sec. 384.409 under Subpart D of part 384, which
addresses the consequences of State noncompliance. Therefore, the
Agency has incorporated language in the final rule in new Sec. 384.409
to implement this solution.
Provision of Documented Proof of Compliant CDL Reporting Programs
Comment
Advocates requested that FMCSA determine the effectiveness and
timeliness of State CDL programs to capture out-of-State convictions
and provide the public with documentation of their effectiveness. Until
data can be presented that demonstrates that all States have adopted
compliant CDL reporting programs and that the home States of commercial
drivers are receiving out-of-State convictions and acting on that
information when appropriate, Advocates maintained that the driver
reporting requirement should not be eliminated.
FMCSA Response
States are required in 49 CFR 384.209 to report out-of-State
convictions to the State of licensure within 10 days of the conviction.
As a part of CDL program certification, FMCSA and the American
Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) monitor the
timeliness and accuracy of conviction data being sent from the State of
conviction to the State of licensure and generate a monthly report. If
a State shows a continuing pattern of not being timely or sending
inaccurate data, FMCSA and AAMVA work with the State to correct the
deficiency.
States have been showing a steady improvement in the timeliness of
reporting conviction data from the State of conviction to the State of
licensure.
Safety Concerns
Comment
The NSTA was concerned about the delay between when the State of
conviction notifies the State of licensure, the State of licensure
notifies the employer, and appropriate action, including notification
to the insurance company, is taken by the employer. If a driver is not
required to report a conviction to his State of licensure, this delay
would allow some drivers to continue to operate a school bus following
a conviction.
FMCSA Response
Eliminating the requirement that the CDL holder report a conviction
to the State of licensure does not eliminate the driver responsibility
in 49 CFR 383.31(b) to report the conviction to his or her employer
within 30 days of the conviction.
Section-by-Section Discussion of Regulatory Changes
Part 383 Commercial Driver's License Standards; Requirements and
Penalties
Section 383.31. FMCSA adds an introductory phrase to paragraph (a)
that clarifies that the addition of new paragraph (d) is the exception
for this section. FMCSA adopts paragraph 383.31(d) as proposed, which
provides that if the State in which a CLP or CDL holder is convicted
for a traffic control violation has an FMCSA-certified CDL program, the
Agency would consider the CLP or CDL holder to be in compliance with
Sec. 383.31(a).
Part 384 State Compliance With Commercial Driver's License Program
Section 384.409. FMCSA adds new Sec. 384.409 to specify the means
of notification to CLP and CDL holders when it determines that a State
is not in substantial compliance, or when it issues a decertification
order prohibiting a State from issuing commercial driver's licenses.
Regulatory Analyses
Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures as Supplemented by E.O. 13563)
FMCSA has determined that this final rule is not a significant
regulatory action within the meaning of Executive Order (E.O.) 12866
(Regulatory Planning and Review,'' 58 FR 51735, October 4, 1993), as
supplemented by E.O. 13563 (76 FR 3821, January 21, 2011), or within
the meaning of DOT regulatory policies and procedures (DOT Order 2100.5
dated May 22, 1980; 44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979). Any costs
associated with this rule are expected to be minimal, and, in any
event, the estimated cost of the rule is not expected to exceed the
$100 million annual threshold for economic significance.
The issuance of driver notifications is the only substantive
difference in this final rule from the published NPRM (77 FR 46010,
August 2, 2012). If a State is no longer in substantial compliance with
the conviction reporting requirements of 49 CFR 384.209 or issues a
decertification order prohibiting a State from issuing commercial
drivers licenses, FMCSA will alert drivers that they must comply with
the self-reporting requirements under 49 CFR 383.31 using a Federal
Register notice, its Web site and social media. This notification
requirement is applicable to FMCSA and as such will not impose
additional costs to the 50 States and District of Columbia which
currently maintain certified CDL programs, nor to individual CLP or CDL
holders.
Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (5 U.S.C. et seq.) requires
Federal agencies to consider the effects of the regulatory action on
small business and other small entities and to minimize any significant
economic impact. The term ``small entities'' comprises small business
and not-for-profit organizations that are independently owned and
operated and are not dominant in their fields and governmental
jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000.\1\ Accordingly, DOT
policy requires an analysis of the impact of all regulations on small
entities and mandates that agencies strive to lessen any adverse
effects on these businesses.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\ Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) see
National Archives at https://www.archives.gov/federal-register/laws/regulatory-flexibility/601.html.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, as amended by the Small
Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121,
110 Stat. 857), the final rule is not expected to have a significant
economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Consequently, I certify that this final rule would not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
Assistance for Small Entities
In accordance with section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996, FMCSA wants to assist small entities
in understanding this rule so that they can better evaluate its effects
on them. If the rule affects your small business, organization, or
governmental jurisdiction and you have questions concerning its
provisions or options for compliance, please consult the FMCSA point of
contact, Robert Redmond, listed
[[Page 24687]]
in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT section of this final rule.
Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
employees who enforce or otherwise determine compliance with Federal
regulations to the Small Business Administration's Small Business and
Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman and the Regional Small
Business Regulatory Fairness Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these
actions annually and rates each agency's responsiveness to small
business. If you wish to comment on actions by employees of FMCSA, call
1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247).
Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
This final rule does not impose an unfunded Federal mandate, as
defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1532 et
seq.), that would result in the expenditure by State, local, and tribal
governments, in the aggregate, or by the private sector, of $141.3
million (which is the value of $100 million in 2010 after adjusting for
inflation) or more in any single year.
E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
A rule has implications for Federalism under Section 1(a) of E.O.
13132 if it has ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.'' FMCSA has determined that this rule will not have
substantial direct effects on States, nor would it limit the
policymaking discretion of States. Nothing in this document preempts
any State law or regulation.
E.O. 12988 (Civil Justice Reform)
This final rule meets applicable standards in sections 3(a) and
3(b)(2) of E.O. 12988, Civil Justice Reform, to minimize litigation,
eliminate ambiguity, and reduce burden.
E.O. 13045 (Protection of Children)
E.O. 13045, Protection of Children from Environmental Health Risks
and Safety Risks (62 FR 19885, Apr. 23, 1997), requires agencies
issuing ``economically significant'' rules, if the regulation also
concerns an environmental health or safety risk that an agency has
reason to believe may disproportionately affect children, to include an
evaluation of the regulation's environmental health and safety effects
on children. The Agency determined this rule is not economically
significant. Therefore, no analysis of the impacts on children is
required. In any event, the Agency does not believe that this
regulatory action could create an environmental or safety risk that
could disproportionately affect children.
E.O. 12630 (Taking of Private Property)
FMCSA reviewed this final rule in accordance with E.O. 12630,
Governmental Actions and Interference with Constitutionally Protected
Property Rights, and has determined it will not effect a taking of
private property or otherwise have taking implications.
Privacy Impact Assessment
Section 522 of title I of division H of the Consolidated
Appropriations Act, 2005, enacted December 8, 2004 (Pub. L. 108-447,
118 Stat. 2809, 3268, 5 U.S.C. 552a note), requires the Agency to
conduct a privacy impact assessment (PIA) of a regulation that will
affect the privacy of individuals. This rule does not require the
collection of any personally identifiable information.
The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) applies only to Federal agencies
and any non-Federal agency which receives records contained in a system
of records from a Federal agency for use in a matching program. FMCSA
has determined this rule will not result in a new or revised Privacy
Act System of Records for FMCSA.
E.O. 12372 (Intergovernmental Review)
The regulations implementing E.O. 12372 regarding intergovernmental
consultation on Federal programs and activities do not apply to this
program.
Paperwork Reduction Act
Under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.),
Federal agencies must obtain approval from the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) for each collection of information they conduct, sponsor,
or require through regulations. FMCSA anticipates this final rule would
result in a paperwork burden reduction that the Agency is unable to
quantify, at this time.
National Environmental Policy Act and Clean Air Act
FMCSA analyzed this rule for the purpose of the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.) and
determined this action is categorically excluded from further analysis
and documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental
impact statement under FMCSA Order 5610.1(69 FR 9680, March 1, 2004),
Appendix 2, paragraphs (6)(s)(2), This categorical exclusion covers
requirements for drivers to notify their States of licensure of certain
convictions. This final rule is covered by this categorical exclusion
and in any event does not have a significant effect on the quality of
the environment. The categorical exclusion determination is available
for inspection or copying in the Regulations.gov Web site listed under
ADDRESSES.
FMCSA also analyzed this rule under the Clean Air Act, as amended
(CAA), section 176(c) (42 U.S.C. 7401 et seq.), and implementing
regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
Approval of this action is exempt from the CAA's general conformity
requirement since it does not affect direct or indirect emissions of
criteria pollutants.
E.O. 13211 (Energy Supply, Distribution or Use)
FMCSA analyzed this rule under E.O. 13211, Actions Concerning
Regulations That Significantly Affect Energy Supply, Distribution, or
Use. The Agency has determined that it is not a ``significant energy
action'' under that order because it is not a ``significant regulatory
action'' under E.O. 12866 and is not likely to have a significant
adverse effect on the supply, distribution, or use of energy.
Therefore, no Statement of Energy Effects is required.
E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
This rule does not have tribal implications under E.O. 13175,
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because
it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian
tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian
tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between
the Federal Government and Indian tribes.
National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (Technical Standards)
The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act (15 U.S.C. 272
note) directs agencies to use voluntary consensus standards in their
regulatory activities unless the agency provides Congress, through OMB,
with an explanation of why using these standards would be inconsistent
with applicable law or otherwise impractical. Voluntary consensus
standards are technical standards (e.g., specifications of materials,
performance, design, or operation; test methods; sampling procedures;
and related management systems practices) that are developed or adopted
by voluntary consensus standards bodies. This rule does not use
technical standards. Therefore, we did
[[Page 24688]]
not consider the use of voluntary consensus standards.
List of Subjects
49 CFR Part 383
Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse,
Highway safety, Motor carriers.
49 CFR Part 384
Administrative practice and procedure, Alcohol abuse, Drug abuse,
Highway safety, Incorporation by reference, Motor carriers.
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, FMCSA amends 49 CFR
parts 383 and 384 as follows:
PART 383--COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE STANDARDS; REQUIREMENTS AND
PENALTIES
0
1. The authority citation for part 383 is revised to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 521, 31136, 31301 et seq., and 31502;
secs. 214 and 215 of Pub. L. 106-159, 113 Stat. 1748, 1766, 1767;
sec. 1012(b) of Pub. L. 107-56, 115 Stat. 272, 297, sec. 4140 of
Pub. L. 109-59, 119 Stat. 1144, 1746; and 49 CFR 1.87.
0
2. Amend Sec. 383.31 by revising paragraph (a) and adding paragraph
(d) to read as follows:
Sec. 383.31 Notification of convictions for driver violations.
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (d) of this section, each
person who operates a commercial motor vehicle, who has a commercial
learner's permit or commercial driver's license issued by a State or
jurisdiction, and who is convicted of violating, in any type of motor
vehicle, a State or local law relating to motor vehicle traffic control
(other than a parking violation) in a State or jurisdiction other than
the one which issued his/her permit or license, shall notify an
official designated by the State or jurisdiction which issued such
permit or license, of such conviction. The notification must be made
within 30 days after the date that the person has been convicted.
* * * * *
(d) A person is considered to be in compliance with the
requirements of paragraph (a) of this section if the conviction occurs
in a State or jurisdiction that is in substantial compliance with 49
CFR 384.209 and has not been de-certified in accordance with 49 CFR
384.405.
PART 384--STATE COMPLIANCE WITH COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE PROGRAM
0
3. The authority citation for part 384 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31301 et seq., and 31502; secs. 103
and 215 of Pub. L. 106-59, 113 Stat. 1753, 1767; and 49 CFR 1.87.
0
4. Amend subpart D by adding Sec. 384.409 to read as follows:
Sec. 384.409 Notification of noncompliance.
If FMCSA determines that a State is not in substantial compliance
with Sec. 384.209, or if FMCSA issues a decertification order
prohibiting a State from issuing commercial driver's licenses, FMCSA
will notify commercial learner's permit and commercial driver's license
holders of these actions by publication of a Federal Register notice.
The notification will advise commercial learner's permit and commercial
driver's license holders that they must comply with the self-reporting
requirements of Sec. 383.31(a) with respect to convictions obtained in
that State until such time that FMCSA determines the State to be in
substantial compliance.
Issued under the authority of delegation in 49 CFR 1.87 on:
April 16, 2013.
Anne S. Ferro,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2013-09915 Filed 4-25-13; 8:45 am]
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