Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler), 48496-48498 [2016-17463]

Download as PDF 48496 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 142 / Monday, July 25, 2016 / Notices that was in effect on the date of enactment of the Act to a period of 5 years from the date the exemption was granted. The exemption may be renewed. Because this action merely implements a statutory mandate that took effect on the date of enactment of the FAST Act, notice and comment are not required. conclude that safety is being compromised. Issued on: July 14, 2016. T.F. Scott Darling, III, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2016–17459 Filed 7–22–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0027] Hours of Service of Drivers: WestRock Exemption; FAST Act Extension of Compliance Date Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice; extension of exemption. AGENCY: FMCSA announces the extension of the exemption granted to WestRock, formerly known as RockTenn, on April 17, 2014, for short trips to their loading docks. The Agency extends the expiration date from April 17, 2014 to April 16, 2019, in response to the ‘‘Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act’’ (FAST Act). That Act extends the expiration date of hours-of-service (HOS) exemptions in effect on the date of enactment of the FAST Act to 5 years from the date of issuance of the exemptions. The WestRock exemption from the Agency’s 14 hour rule is limited to WestRock drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) between WestRock shipping and receiving departments only, on the public road (Compress Street). The Agency previously determined that the CMV operations of WestRock’s drivers under this exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be obtained in the absence of the exemption. DATES: This limited exemption is effective from April 17, 2014 through April 16, 2019. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: 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)]. Section 5206(b)(2)(A) of the FAST Act requires FMCSA to extend any exemption from any provision of the HOS regulations under 49 CFR part 395 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:27 Jul 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 WestRock Exemption WestRock, a motor carrier formerly known as RockTenn, applied for a limited exemption from the prohibition from operating a CMV on a public road after the end of the 14th hour after coming on duty following 10 or more consecutive hours off duty [49 CFR 395.3(a)(2)] on behalf of their shipping department employees operating CMVs. FMCSA reviewed WestRock’s application and the public comments and concluded that limiting the exemption to CDL holders employed by WestRock who are exclusively assigned to a specific route, and may operate a CMV on a public road past the 14-hour limit, will promote safety at least as effectively as the ‘‘14-hour rule.’’ These drivers operate like certain short-haul drivers, who are already permitted a 16hour driving ‘‘window’’ once a week and other non-CDL short-haul drivers who are allowed two 16-hour duty periods per week. WestRock held a similar 2-year exemption from 2012– 2014. A Notice of Final Determination granting the WestRock exemption was published on April 22, 2014 [79 FR 22571]. The substance of the exemption is not affected by this extension. The exemption covers only the ‘‘14 hour rule’’ [49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)(ii)]. The exemption is restricted to drivers employed by WestRock operating CMVs on a specified route. On each trip, the CMV must only travel on the public road (Compress Street)—approximately 275 feet in one direction—between WestRock’s shipping and receiving departments. The exemption enables WestRock’s shipping department drivers and occasional substitute CDL holders who transport paper mill products between WestRock’s shipping and receiving locations on Compress Street to work up to 16 hours in a day and return to work with a minimum of at least 8 hours off duty. The FMCSA does not believe the safety record of any driver operating under this exemption will deteriorate. However, should deterioration in safety occur, FMCSA will take all steps necessary to protect the public interest, including revocation of the exemption. The FMCSA has the authority to terminate the exemption at any time the PO 00000 Frm 00122 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Agency has the data/information to conclude that safety is being compromised. Issued on: July 14, 2016. T.F. Scott Darling, III, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2016–17462 Filed 7–22–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0032] Commercial Driver’s License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant of application for exemption. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption to Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) for one of its commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Daimler requested a 5-year exemption from the Federal requirement to hold a U.S. commercial driver’s license (CDL) for Mr. Sebastian Boehm, a project engineer for the Daimler Trucks and Bus Division. Mr. Boehm holds a valid German commercial license and wants to test drive Daimler vehicles on U.S. roads to better understand product requirements in ‘‘real world’’ environments, and verify results. Daimler believes the requirements for a German commercial license ensure that operation under the exemption will likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that would be obtained in the absence of the exemption. DATES: This exemption is effective July 25, 2016 and expires July 25, 2021. 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25JYN1.SGM 25JYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 142 / Monday, July 25, 2016 / Notices 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: For information concerning this notice, contact Ms. Pearlie Robinson, FMCSA Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards; Telephone: 202–366– 4325. Email: MCPSD@dot.gov. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to 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–2012–0032 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. mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES 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, and explain its terms VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:27 Jul 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 and conditions. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). Section 5206(a)(3) of the ‘‘Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act,’’ (FAST Act) [Pub. L. 114–94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1537, Dec. 4, 2015], amended 49 U.S.C. 31315(b) by adding a new paragraph (2) which permits exemptions for no longer than 5 years from their dates of inception, instead of the previous 2 years. This statutory provision will be codified in 49 CFR part 381 in a forthcoming rulemaking. III. Request for Exemption On behalf of Sebastian Boehm, Daimler has applied for a 5-year exemption from 49 CFR 383.23, which prescribes licensing requirements for drivers operating CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce. Mr. Boehm is unable to obtain a CDL in any of the States due to his lack of residency in the United States. A copy of the application is in Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0032. The exemption would allow Mr. Boehm 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. Mr. Boehm needs to drive Daimler vehicles on public roads to better understand ‘‘real world’’ environments in the U.S. market. According to Daimler, Mr. Boehm will typically drive for no more than 6 hours per day, 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 one to two weeks on a quarterly basis. He will in all cases be accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with the routes to be traveled. Mr. Boehm would be required to comply with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) (49 CFR parts 350–399) except the CDL provisions described in this notice. Mr. Boehm 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, Mr. Boehm 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 PO 00000 Frm 00123 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 48497 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)]. Public Comments On May 4, 2016, FMCSA published notice of this application and requested public comments (81 FR 26866). No comments were submitted. FMCSA Decision Based upon the merits of this application, including Mr. Boehm’s extensive driving experience and safety record, FMCSA has concluded that the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption, in accordance with § 381.305(a). Terms and Conditions for the Exemption FMCSA grants Daimler and Sebastian Boehm an exemption from the CDL requirement in 49 CFR 383.23 to allow Mr. Boehm to drive CMVs in this country without a U.S. State-issued CDL, subject to the following terms and conditions: (1) The driver and carrier must comply with all other applicable provisions of the FMCSRs (49 CFR parts 350–399); (2) the driver must be in possession of the exemption document and a valid German commercial license; (3) the driver must be employed by and operate the CMV within the scope of his duties for Daimler; (4) at all times while operating a CMV under this exemption, the driver must be accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with the routes traveled; (5) Daimler must notify FMCSA in writing within 5 business days of any accident, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, involving this driver; and (6) Daimler must notify FMCSA in writing if this driver is convicted of a disqualifying offense under § 383.51 or § 391.15 of the FMCSRs. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), the exemption will be valid for 5 years unless revoked earlier by the FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if: (1) Mr. Boehm fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption results in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would be inconsistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136. E:\FR\FM\25JYN1.SGM 25JYN1 48498 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 142 / Monday, July 25, 2016 / Notices VIII. Preemption In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(d), as implemented by 49 CFR 381.600, during the period this exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation applicable to interstate or intrastate commerce that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this exemption with respect to a firm or person operating under the exemption. Issued on: July 14, 2016. T.F. Scott Darling, III, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2016–17463 Filed 7–22–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Transit Administration Limitation on Claims Against a Proposed Public Transportation Project Federal Transit Administration (FTA), DOT. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: This notice announces final environmental actions taken by the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) for a project in Hennepin County, MN. The purpose of this notice is to announce publicly the environmental decisions by FTA on the subject project and to activate the limitation on any claims that may challenge these final environmental actions. DATES: By this notice, FTA is advising the public of final agency actions subject to Section 139(l) of Title 23, United States Code (U.S.C.). A claim seeking judicial review of FTA actions announced herein for the listed public transportation project will be barred unless the claim is filed on or before December 22, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Jay M. Fox, Acting Assistant Chief Counsel, Office of Chief Counsel, (215) 656–7258 or Terence Plaskon, Environmental Protection Specialist, Office of Environmental Programs, (202) 366– 0442. FTA is located at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590. Office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Notice is hereby given that FTA has taken final agency actions by issuing certain approvals for the public transportation project listed below. The actions on the project, as well as the laws under which such actions were taken, are described in the documentation issued in connection with the project to comply mstockstill on DSK3G9T082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:27 Jul 22, 2016 Jkt 238001 with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and in other documents in the FTA administrative record for the project. Interested parties may contact either the project sponsor or the relevant FTA Regional Office for more information. Contact information for FTA’s Regional Offices may be found at https://www.fta.dot.gov. This notice applies to all FTA decisions on the listed project as of the issuance date of this notice and all laws under which such actions were taken, including, but not limited to, NEPA [42 U.S.C. 4321–4375], Section 4(f) of the Department of Transportation Act of 1966 [49 U.S.C. 303], Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act [16 U.S.C. 470f], and the Clean Air Act [42 U.S.C. 7401–7671q]. This notice does not, however, alter or extend the limitation period for challenges of project decisions subject to previous notices published in the Federal Register. The project and actions that are the subject of this notice are: Project name and location: Southwest Light Rail Transit (LRT) Project, Hennepin County, MN. Project sponsor: Metropolitan Council. Project description: The proposed project is approximately 14.5 miles of new double-track proposed as an extension of the METRO Green Line (Central Corridor LRT), which will operate from downtown Minneapolis through the communities of St. Louis Park, Hopkins, Minnetonka, and Eden Prairie, passing in close proximity to Edina. The project will operate primarily at-grade, with structures providing grade separation of LRT crossings, roadways, and water bodies at specified locations. For just under one-half mile, the project will operate in a shallow light rail tunnel in the Kenilworth Corridor, between West Lake Street and just south of the Kenilworth Lagoon. Proposed system elements include 16 new light rail stations (including the Eden Prairie Town Center Station that is deferred for construction at a later date), one operations and maintenance facility, 20 traction power substations, 25 signal bungalow sites, and other ancillary facilities. Final agency actions: Section 4(f) determination; a Section 106 Memorandum of Agreement, dated July 13, 2016; project-level air quality conformity; and a Record of Decision, dated July 15, 2016. Supporting documentation: Final Environmental Impact Statement, dated May 13, 2016. Lucy Garliauskas, Associate Administrator Planning and Environment. [FR Doc. 2016–17469 Filed 7–22–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P PO 00000 Frm 00124 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Office of the Comptroller of the Currency Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Information Collection; Submission for OMB Review; Reduction of Permanent Capital Notice Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), Treasury. ACTION: Notice and request for comment. AGENCY: The OCC, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on a new information collection as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). An agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a respondent is not required to respond to, an information collection unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The OCC is soliciting comment concerning a new information collection titled ‘‘Reduction of Permanent Capital Notice.’’ The OCC also is giving notice that it has sent the collection to OMB for review. DATES: Comments must be received by August 24, 2016. ADDRESSES: Because paper mail in the Washington, DC area and at the OCC is subject to delay, commenters are encouraged to submit comments by email, if possible. Comments may be sent to: Legislative and Regulatory Activities Division, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Attention: 1557–NEW, 400 7th Street SW., Suite 3E–218, Mail Stop 9W–11, Washington, DC 20219. In addition, comments may be sent by fax to (571) 465–4326 or by electronic mail to prainfo@occ.treas.gov. You may inspect and photocopy comments in person at the OCC, 400 7th Street SW., Washington, DC 20219. For security reasons, the OCC requires that visitors make an appointment to inspect comments. You may do so by calling (202) 649–6700 or, for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, TTY, (202) 649– 5597. Upon arrival, visitors will be required to present valid governmentissued photo identification and submit to a security screening in order to inspect and photocopy comments. All comments received, including attachments and other supporting materials, are part of the public record and subject to public disclosure. Do not include any information in your comment or supporting materials that SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\25JYN1.SGM 25JYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 142 (Monday, July 25, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 48496-48498]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-17463]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0032]


Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; 
Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler)

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 an exemption to Daimler 
Trucks North America (Daimler) for one of its commercial motor vehicle 
(CMV) drivers. Daimler requested a 5-year exemption from the Federal 
requirement to hold a U.S. commercial driver's license (CDL) for Mr. 
Sebastian Boehm, a project engineer for the Daimler Trucks and Bus 
Division. Mr. Boehm holds a valid German commercial license and wants 
to test drive Daimler vehicles on U.S. roads to better understand 
product requirements in ``real world'' environments, and verify 
results. Daimler believes the requirements for a German commercial 
license ensure that operation under the exemption will likely achieve a 
level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that would be 
obtained in the absence of the exemption.

DATES: This exemption is effective July 25, 2016 and expires July 25, 
2021.

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

[[Page 48497]]

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: For information concerning this 
notice, contact Ms. Pearlie Robinson, FMCSA Driver and Carrier 
Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety 
Standards; Telephone: 202-366-4325. Email: MCPSD@dot.gov. If you have 
questions on viewing or submitting material to 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-2012-0032 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 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, and 
explain its terms and conditions. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 
381.300(b)).
    Section 5206(a)(3) of the ``Fixing America's Surface Transportation 
Act,'' (FAST Act) [Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1537, Dec. 4, 2015], 
amended 49 U.S.C. 31315(b) by adding a new paragraph (2) which permits 
exemptions for no longer than 5 years from their dates of inception, 
instead of the previous 2 years. This statutory provision will be 
codified in 49 CFR part 381 in a forthcoming rulemaking.

III. Request for Exemption

    On behalf of Sebastian Boehm, Daimler has applied for a 5-year 
exemption from 49 CFR 383.23, which prescribes licensing requirements 
for drivers operating CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce. Mr. 
Boehm is unable to obtain a CDL in any of the States due to his lack of 
residency in the United States. A copy of the application is in Docket 
No. FMCSA-2012-0032.
    The exemption would allow Mr. Boehm 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. Mr. Boehm needs to drive Daimler vehicles on public roads 
to better understand ``real world'' environments in the U.S. market. 
According to Daimler, Mr. Boehm will typically drive for no more than 6 
hours per day, 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 one to 
two weeks on a quarterly basis. He will in all cases be accompanied by 
a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with the routes to be traveled.
    Mr. Boehm would be required to comply with all applicable Federal 
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) (49 CFR parts 350-399) except 
the CDL provisions described in this notice.
    Mr. Boehm 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, Mr. Boehm 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)].

Public Comments

    On May 4, 2016, FMCSA published notice of this application and 
requested public comments (81 FR 26866). No comments were submitted.

FMCSA Decision

    Based upon the merits of this application, including Mr. Boehm's 
extensive driving experience and safety record, FMCSA has concluded 
that the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is 
equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent 
such exemption, in accordance with Sec.  381.305(a).

Terms and Conditions for the Exemption

    FMCSA grants Daimler and Sebastian Boehm an exemption from the CDL 
requirement in 49 CFR 383.23 to allow Mr. Boehm to drive CMVs in this 
country without a U.S. State-issued CDL, subject to the following terms 
and conditions: (1) The driver and carrier must comply with all other 
applicable provisions of the FMCSRs (49 CFR parts 350-399); (2) the 
driver must be in possession of the exemption document and a valid 
German commercial license; (3) the driver must be employed by and 
operate the CMV within the scope of his duties for Daimler; (4) at all 
times while operating a CMV under this exemption, the driver must be 
accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with the routes 
traveled; (5) Daimler must notify FMCSA in writing within 5 business 
days of any accident, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, involving this 
driver; and (6) Daimler must notify FMCSA in writing if this driver is 
convicted of a disqualifying offense under Sec.  383.51 or Sec.  391.15 
of the FMCSRs.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), the exemption will 
be valid for 5 years unless revoked earlier by the FMCSA. The exemption 
will be revoked if: (1) Mr. Boehm fails to comply with the terms and 
conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption results in a lower level 
of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) 
continuation of the exemption would be inconsistent with the goals and 
objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136.

[[Page 48498]]

 VIII. Preemption

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(d), as implemented by 49 CFR 
381.600, during the period this exemption is in effect, no State shall 
enforce any law or regulation applicable to interstate or intrastate 
commerce that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this exemption 
with respect to a firm or person operating under the exemption.

    Issued on: July 14, 2016.
 T.F. Scott Darling, III,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-17463 Filed 7-22-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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