Commercial Driver's License: Oregon Department of Transportation; Application for Exemption, 19703-19705 [2016-07730]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES your comments and material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so the Agency can contact you if it has questions regarding your submission. To submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and put the docket number, ‘‘FMCSA–2012–0032’’ in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ When the new screen appears, click on ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button and type your comment into the text box in the following screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a third party and then submit. If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped, selfaddressed postcard or envelope. FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the comment period and may grant or not grant this application based on your comments. II. Legal Basis FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the application, including any safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also provide an opportunity for public comment on the request. The Agency reviews the safety analyses and the public comments, and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)) with the reason for the grant or denial, and, if granted, the specific person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision or provisions from which exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period of the exemption (up to 5 years), and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). Section 5206(a)(2) of the ‘‘Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act,’’ VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:18 Apr 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 (FAST Act) [Pub. L. 114–94, 129 Stat. 1312, Dec. 4, 2015], effective October 1, 2015, permits exemptions for no longer than five years from their dates of inception, instead of the previous two years. This statutory provision will be codified in 49 CFR part 381 in a forthcoming rulemaking. III. Request for Exemption Daimler has applied for a 5-year exemption for Melanie Baumann from 49 CFR 383.23, which prescribes licensing requirements for drivers operating CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce. Ms. Baumann is unable to obtain a CDL in any of the U.S. States due to her lack of residency in the United States. A copy of the application is in Docket No. FMCSA– 2012–0032. The exemption would allow Ms. Baumann to operate CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce to support Daimler field tests designed to meet future vehicle safety and environmental requirements and to promote technological advancements in vehicle safety systems and emissions reductions. Ms. Baumann needs to drive Daimler vehicles on public roads to better understand ‘‘real world’’ environments in the U.S. market. According to Daimler, Ms. Baumann will typically drive for no more than 6 hours per day for 2 consecutive days, and that 10 percent of the test driving will be on two-lane State highways, while 90 percent will be on Interstate highways. The driving will consist of no more than 200 miles per day, for a total of 400 miles during a two-day period on a quarterly basis. She will in all cases be accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with the routes to be traveled. Ms. Baumann holds a valid German commercial license, and as explained by Daimler in its exemption request, the requirements for that license ensure that the same level of safety is met or exceeded as if this driver had a U.S. CDL. Furthermore, according to Daimler, Ms. Baumann is familiar with the operation of CMVs worldwide. FMCSA has previously determined that the process for obtaining a German commercial license is comparable to, or as effective as, the requirements of part 383, and adequately assesses the driver’s ability to operate CMVs in the U.S. Since 2012, FMCSA has granted Daimler drivers similar exemptions [May 25, 2012 (77 FR 31422); July 22, 2014 (79 FR 42626); March 27, 2015 (80 FR 16511); October 5, 2015 (80 FR 60220); December 7, 2015 (80 FR 76059); December 21, 2015 (80 FR 79410)]. PO 00000 Frm 00155 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19703 Issued on: March 25, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–07719 Filed 4–4–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0397] Commercial Driver’s License: Oregon Department of Transportation; Application for Exemption Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant of application for exemption. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) a limited exemption from the commercial learner’s permit (CLP) requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(c). All State Driver’s Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) are allowed to use this exemption at their discretion. The exemption will allow ODOT and participating SDLAs to extend to one year the 180-day timeline for the CLP from the date of issuance, without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. Under the exemption, an applicant wishing to have a new CLP after the previous one expires will be required to take all applicable tests before a new CLP is issued. DATES: This exemption is effective April 5, 2016, and expires April 5, 2018. ADDRESSES: Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or visit 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., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The on-line FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Pearlie Robinson, Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards; SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05APN1.SGM 05APN1 19704 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Notices Telephone: 202–366–4325, Email: MCPSD@dot.gov, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590– 0001. If you have questions on viewing material in the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, ‘‘FMCSA–2015–0397 in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ button and choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES II. Legal Basis FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions from certain parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the application, including any safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also provide an opportunity for public comment on the request. The Agency reviews safety analyses and public comments submitted, and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)) with the reasons for denying or granting the application and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). III. Request for Exemption ODOT requested an exemption from the Agency’s CLP requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(c). The regulation provides VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:18 Apr 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 that the CLP be valid for no more than 180 days from the date of issuance. The State may renew the CLP for an additional 180 days without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. ODOT proposed that it be allowed to extend the 180-day timeline to one year for CLPs issued to its drivers. ODOT provided multiple reasons for regulatory relief from the CLP rule. First, ODOT believes that the 180-day time line required to renew the CLP adds nothing to the effectiveness of the rule itself, the purpose of which is to ‘‘enhance safety by ensuring that only qualified drivers are allowed to operate commercial vehicles on our nation’s highways’’ (76 FR 26854, May 9, 2011). ODOT asserts that neither FMCSA staff nor the States were able to identify any highway safety enhancement arising from this requirement. ODOT states that it is unaware of any data suggesting that persons who have not renewed their CLP or obtained their CDL within six months pose less risk on the Nation’s highways. Second, ODOT agrees that requiring CLP holders to retake the knowledge test after not obtaining a CDL within one year improves highway safety, but disagrees that the requirement for renewal at six months is needed. According to ODOT, if the exemption is granted, ODOT’s CLP would have a validity period of one year with no renewal allowed. All applicable knowledge tests would be required before a new CLP could be issued, which would accomplish the objective of not allowing a person to have a CLP longer than one year without passing knowledge tests. The third reason for the request is that Oregon’s ‘‘Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) field offices have a very large volume of work to accomplish and, at best, limited resources with which to accomplish it. Adding the bureaucratic requirement for a CLP holder to visit a DMV office and pay a fee in order to get a second six months of CLP validity will add unnecessary workload to offices already stretched to the limit. ODOT is confident there would be no negative impact on safety if the exemption is granted.’’ According to ODOT, ‘‘If this exemption is not granted, Oregon drivers with CLPs who have not passed the CDL skills test within six months of CLP issuance would have to go to a DMV office and pay for a renewal of the CLP. This would cause undue hardship to the drivers, from the perspectives of both their time and their pocketbooks. It would also cause undue hardship to our agency, where scarce resources would PO 00000 Frm 00156 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 be used to process bureaucratic transactions that add nothing to highway safety.’’ In addition, because the issues concerning ODOT’s request could be applicable in each State, FMCSA requested public comment on whether the exemption, if granted, should apply to all SDLAs. VI. Public Comments On November 27, 2015, FMCSA published notice of this application and requested public comment (80 FR 74199). The Agency received 10 comments representing various interests in response to the proposed exemption. Six comments received in support of the exemption were from the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA); Colorado Department of Revenue CDL Unit (Colorado); New York Department of Motor Vehicles (New York DMV); Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. (OTA); and two individuals. The ALEA commented that ‘‘this requirement is an added financial burden to the CLP holder by having to pay additional fees for renewal and if applicable, any re-testing fees. Therefore, ALEA is in complete agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation in their petition to allow the CLP to be valid for one year.’’ Colorado commented ‘‘Regarding FMCSA’s request that should this be applicable to all states. Colorado is concerned that 77% of the SDLA’s have already made the programming changes to issue only a 180 day CLP. Making a change at this point could be very confusing and possibly expensive for SDLA’s and the CDL industry. Colorado would suggest that FMCSA leave the rule as is. However, Colorado would also suggest that FMCSA work with ODOT one on one regarding this issue to determine if an exemption should be granted to ODOT. If FMCSA believes an exemption should be granted to ODOT, Colorado would support FMCSA granting Oregon’s exemption request.’’ The New York DMV commented that ‘‘New York supports granting Oregon’s request for an exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(c) which requires that a CLP must be valid for no more than 180 days. The exemption should apply to all SDLAs, allowing states to set their own CLP expiration date, provided the CLP’s validity does not exceed one year.’’ The OTA commented ‘‘FMCSA has asked if the exemption requested by ODOT should be extended to other states? Our response is, absolutely and we believe FMCSA should go one step further and change the underlying regulation to allow issuance of a CLP for 1-year.’’ E:\FR\FM\05APN1.SGM 05APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Notices asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES Mr. Vardis Gaus wrote ‘‘I believe this extension to be valid.’’ Mr. Daniel Tucker commented ‘‘As a CDL driver, instructor and state-certified third-party evaluator I believe this proposal/request makes all the sense in the world. Allowing up-to a year practice and development for an entry level driver candidate or re-entering driver allows them to take as much time necessary to build (or rebuild) skills.’’ Four comments opposing the exemption were from the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and three individuals. The CVTA summarized its opposition to the exemption by stating ‘‘We urge FMCSA to deny ODOT’s request for an exemption from the 180-day CLP renewal requirement. Granting such an exemption carries serious safety concerns and sends the wrong message regarding FMCSA’s willingness to accommodate underfunded CDL programs across the Country. Granting this exemption would signal to states that FMCSA will not only tolerate state practices of underfunding CDL programs, but will accommodate them. Moreover, granting this exemption would undercut Congress’ recent efforts to put greater pressure on FMCSA and states to ensure that state CDL programs are more adequately funded and efficiently administered.’’ Josh Anonymous wrote ‘‘Don’t do it. Six months is plenty.’’ Mr. Roland Doe wrote ‘‘Send a message to such an unfriendly bureaucracy: NO dice on the waiver request. If other states can meet the Federal requirement—and the majority of them are much easier to do business with—even California—so can ODOT.’’ Mr. Gary Scott commented that ‘‘A learner’s permit should only be valid for 6 months. If a person cannot achieve a level of proficiency within that time period to acquire a permanent CDL then maybe they should consider another line of work.’’ All comments are available for review in the docket for this notice. V. FMCSA Response and Decision The FMCSA has evaluated ODOT’s application on its merits following full consideration of the comments submitted to the docket, and has decided to grant the exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(c) for a period of 2 years. The exemption covers ODOT and all SDLAs. Extending the exemption to cover all SDLAs, at their discretion, will preclude the need for other SDLAs choosing to use the exemption to file identical exemption requests. FMCSA believes that safety would not be diminished by allowing a validity VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:18 Apr 04, 2016 Jkt 238001 period of one year for the CLP. The maximum time allowed between taking the knowledge tests and obtaining the CDL is 12 months under the current rule and under the exemption. The exemption avoids the necessity of obtaining a renewal of the CLP after 6 months if the State chooses to allow that. FMCSA determined that the exemption would maintain a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level achieved without the exemption (49 CFR 381.305(a)). Issued on: March 25, 2016. T.F. Scott Darling, III, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2016–07730 Filed 4–4–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration FY 2016 Railroad Safety Technology Grant Funds Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO). AGENCY: This notice details the application requirements and procedures for obtaining funding for eligible Railroad Safety Technology Grant projects. The opportunities described in this notice are available under Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance number 20.321, ‘‘Railroad Safety Technology.’’ DATES: Applications for funding under this solicitation are due no later than 5:00 p.m. DST May 20, 2016. Applications for funding received after 5:00 p.m. DST on May 20, 2016 will not be considered. See Section 4 of this notice for additional information regarding the application process. ADDRESSES: Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov. For any required or supporting application materials that an applicant is unable to submit via Grants.gov (such as oversized engineering drawings), an applicant may submit an original and two (2) copies to Mr. Marvin Winston, Office of Program Delivery, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W36–440, Washington, DC 20590; Email: marvin.winston@dot.gov. However, due to delays caused by enhanced screening of mail delivered via the U.S. Postal Service, applicants are advised to use other means of conveyance (such as courier service) to assure timely receipt of materials. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00157 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 19705 If you have a project related question, you may contact Dr. Mark Hartong, Scientific and Technical Advisor (Phone: (202) 493–1332; email: Mark.Hartong@dot.gov), or Mr. Devin Rouse, Program Manager (Phone: (202) 493–6185, email: devin.rouse@dot.gov). Grant application submission and processing questions should be addressed to Mr. Marvin Winston, Office of Program Delivery, Federal Railroad Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W36–440, Washington, DC 20590; Email: marvin.winston@dot.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice to applicants: FRA recommends applicants read this notice in its entirety prior to preparing application materials. There are several administrative prerequisites described herein that applicants must comply with in order to submit an application, as well as specific eligibility requirements that must be met. Additionally, applicants should note that the required Project Narrative component of the application package may not exceed 25 pages in length (including any appendices). FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Table of Contents 1. Funding Opportunity Description 2. Award Information 3. Eligibility and Review Criteria 4. Application and Submission Information 5. Award Administration Information 6. Agency Contact Section 1: Funding Opportunity Description The purpose of this notice is to solicit applications for grants for eligible railroad safety technology projects. Congress appropriated the funding available under this NOFO, $25 million, in the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, Division L, Title I (Pub. L. 114– 113 (December 18, 2015)), to carry out railroad safety technology grants as set forth in 49 U.S.C. 20158. To maximize the benefits of the funding available, FRA is limiting the eligible projects to those that implement a Positive Train Control (PTC) system or, as described in Section 3, will otherwise benefit overall PTC system implementation on freight, intercity passenger, and commuter railroads. Section 2: Award Information FRA anticipates making multiple awards from the funding made available in this notice and is not predetermining any minimum or maximum dollar amounts for awards. However, given the limited amount of funding currently available, applicants are encouraged to E:\FR\FM\05APN1.SGM 05APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 5, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19703-19705]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07730]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0397]


Commercial Driver's License: Oregon Department of Transportation; 
Application for Exemption

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant of application for 
exemption.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant the Oregon Department of 
Transportation (ODOT) a limited exemption from the commercial learner's 
permit (CLP) requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(c). All State Driver's 
Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) are allowed to use this exemption at their 
discretion. The exemption will allow ODOT and participating SDLAs to 
extend to one year the 180-day timeline for the CLP from the date of 
issuance, without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and 
endorsement knowledge tests. Under the exemption, an applicant wishing 
to have a new CLP after the previous one expires will be required to 
take all applicable tests before a new CLP is issued.

DATES: This exemption is effective April 5, 2016, and expires April 5, 
2018.

ADDRESSES:
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or visit 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., ET, Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The on-line FDMS is available 24 hours each 
day, 365 days each year.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs. Pearlie Robinson, Driver and 
Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle 
Safety Standards;

[[Page 19704]]

Telephone: 202-366-4325, Email: MCPSD@dot.gov, Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 
20590-0001. If you have questions on viewing material in the docket, 
contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to www.regulations.gov and insert 
the docket number, ``FMCSA-2015-0397 in the ``Keyword'' box and click 
``Search.'' Next, click the ``Open Docket Folder'' button and choose 
the document to review. If you do not have access to the Internet, you 
may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility 
in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.

II. Legal Basis

    FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant 
exemptions from certain parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Regulations. FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in 
the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the 
public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the 
application, including any safety analyses that have been conducted. 
The Agency must also provide an opportunity for public comment on the 
request.
    The Agency reviews safety analyses and public comments submitted, 
and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a 
level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be 
achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of 
the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 
381.315(b)) with the reasons for denying or granting the application 
and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons receiving 
the exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the exemption is 
granted. The notice must also specify the effective period and explain 
the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed 
(49 CFR 381.300(b)).

III. Request for Exemption

    ODOT requested an exemption from the Agency's CLP requirement in 49 
CFR 383.25(c). The regulation provides that the CLP be valid for no 
more than 180 days from the date of issuance. The State may renew the 
CLP for an additional 180 days without requiring the CLP holder to 
retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. ODOT proposed that 
it be allowed to extend the 180-day timeline to one year for CLPs 
issued to its drivers.
    ODOT provided multiple reasons for regulatory relief from the CLP 
rule. First, ODOT believes that the 180-day time line required to renew 
the CLP adds nothing to the effectiveness of the rule itself, the 
purpose of which is to ``enhance safety by ensuring that only qualified 
drivers are allowed to operate commercial vehicles on our nation's 
highways'' (76 FR 26854, May 9, 2011). ODOT asserts that neither FMCSA 
staff nor the States were able to identify any highway safety 
enhancement arising from this requirement. ODOT states that it is 
unaware of any data suggesting that persons who have not renewed their 
CLP or obtained their CDL within six months pose less risk on the 
Nation's highways.
    Second, ODOT agrees that requiring CLP holders to retake the 
knowledge test after not obtaining a CDL within one year improves 
highway safety, but disagrees that the requirement for renewal at six 
months is needed. According to ODOT, if the exemption is granted, 
ODOT's CLP would have a validity period of one year with no renewal 
allowed. All applicable knowledge tests would be required before a new 
CLP could be issued, which would accomplish the objective of not 
allowing a person to have a CLP longer than one year without passing 
knowledge tests.
    The third reason for the request is that Oregon's ``Department of 
Motor Vehicle (DMV) field offices have a very large volume of work to 
accomplish and, at best, limited resources with which to accomplish it. 
Adding the bureaucratic requirement for a CLP holder to visit a DMV 
office and pay a fee in order to get a second six months of CLP 
validity will add unnecessary workload to offices already stretched to 
the limit. ODOT is confident there would be no negative impact on 
safety if the exemption is granted.''
    According to ODOT, ``If this exemption is not granted, Oregon 
drivers with CLPs who have not passed the CDL skills test within six 
months of CLP issuance would have to go to a DMV office and pay for a 
renewal of the CLP. This would cause undue hardship to the drivers, 
from the perspectives of both their time and their pocketbooks. It 
would also cause undue hardship to our agency, where scarce resources 
would be used to process bureaucratic transactions that add nothing to 
highway safety.''
    In addition, because the issues concerning ODOT's request could be 
applicable in each State, FMCSA requested public comment on whether the 
exemption, if granted, should apply to all SDLAs.

VI. Public Comments

    On November 27, 2015, FMCSA published notice of this application 
and requested public comment (80 FR 74199). The Agency received 10 
comments representing various interests in response to the proposed 
exemption.
    Six comments received in support of the exemption were from the 
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA); Colorado Department of Revenue 
CDL Unit (Colorado); New York Department of Motor Vehicles (New York 
DMV); Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. (OTA); and two individuals.
    The ALEA commented that ``this requirement is an added financial 
burden to the CLP holder by having to pay additional fees for renewal 
and if applicable, any re-testing fees. Therefore, ALEA is in complete 
agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation in their 
petition to allow the CLP to be valid for one year.''
    Colorado commented ``Regarding FMCSA's request that should this be 
applicable to all states. Colorado is concerned that 77% of the SDLA's 
have already made the programming changes to issue only a 180 day CLP. 
Making a change at this point could be very confusing and possibly 
expensive for SDLA's and the CDL industry. Colorado would suggest that 
FMCSA leave the rule as is. However, Colorado would also suggest that 
FMCSA work with ODOT one on one regarding this issue to determine if an 
exemption should be granted to ODOT. If FMCSA believes an exemption 
should be granted to ODOT, Colorado would support FMCSA granting 
Oregon's exemption request.''
    The New York DMV commented that ``New York supports granting 
Oregon's request for an exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(c) which requires 
that a CLP must be valid for no more than 180 days. The exemption 
should apply to all SDLAs, allowing states to set their own CLP 
expiration date, provided the CLP's validity does not exceed one 
year.''
    The OTA commented ``FMCSA has asked if the exemption requested by 
ODOT should be extended to other states? Our response is, absolutely 
and we believe FMCSA should go one step further and change the 
underlying regulation to allow issuance of a CLP for 1-year.''

[[Page 19705]]

    Mr. Vardis Gaus wrote ``I believe this extension to be valid.''
    Mr. Daniel Tucker commented ``As a CDL driver, instructor and 
state-certified third-party evaluator I believe this proposal/request 
makes all the sense in the world. Allowing up-to a year practice and 
development for an entry level driver candidate or re-entering driver 
allows them to take as much time necessary to build (or rebuild) 
skills.''
    Four comments opposing the exemption were from the Commercial 
Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and three individuals.
    The CVTA summarized its opposition to the exemption by stating ``We 
urge FMCSA to deny ODOT's request for an exemption from the 180-day CLP 
renewal requirement. Granting such an exemption carries serious safety 
concerns and sends the wrong message regarding FMCSA's willingness to 
accommodate underfunded CDL programs across the Country. Granting this 
exemption would signal to states that FMCSA will not only tolerate 
state practices of underfunding CDL programs, but will accommodate 
them. Moreover, granting this exemption would undercut Congress' recent 
efforts to put greater pressure on FMCSA and states to ensure that 
state CDL programs are more adequately funded and efficiently 
administered.''
    Josh Anonymous wrote ``Don't do it. Six months is plenty.''
    Mr. Roland Doe wrote ``Send a message to such an unfriendly 
bureaucracy: NO dice on the waiver request. If other states can meet 
the Federal requirement--and the majority of them are much easier to do 
business with--even California--so can ODOT.''
    Mr. Gary Scott commented that ``A learner's permit should only be 
valid for 6 months. If a person cannot achieve a level of proficiency 
within that time period to acquire a permanent CDL then maybe they 
should consider another line of work.''
    All comments are available for review in the docket for this 
notice.

V. FMCSA Response and Decision

    The FMCSA has evaluated ODOT's application on its merits following 
full consideration of the comments submitted to the docket, and has 
decided to grant the exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(c) for a period of 2 
years. The exemption covers ODOT and all SDLAs. Extending the exemption 
to cover all SDLAs, at their discretion, will preclude the need for 
other SDLAs choosing to use the exemption to file identical exemption 
requests. FMCSA believes that safety would not be diminished by 
allowing a validity period of one year for the CLP. The maximum time 
allowed between taking the knowledge tests and obtaining the CDL is 12 
months under the current rule and under the exemption. The exemption 
avoids the necessity of obtaining a renewal of the CLP after 6 months 
if the State chooses to allow that. FMCSA determined that the exemption 
would maintain a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the 
level achieved without the exemption (49 CFR 381.305(a)).

    Issued on: March 25, 2016.
T.F. Scott Darling, III,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-07730 Filed 4-4-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.