Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 50593-50594 [2016-18137]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 147 / Monday, August 1, 2016 / Notices 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)). sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES Background The Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 (CMVSA) was designed to improve highway safety by ensuring that truck and bus drivers are qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). It provided for removal of the driving privileges of unsafe or unqualified drivers. States issue commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) to CMV operators, but the CMVSA directed the Federal government to establish minimum requirements for the issuance of a CDL. Subpart H of 49 CFR part 383 contains the principal requirements governing State testing of applicants for a CDL. Testing must be conducted in such a way as to determine if the applicant possesses the required knowledge and skills (§ 383.133(a)). Request for Exemption Minnesota seeks a partial exemption from § 383.133, ‘‘Test Methods.’’ Pursuant to that section, the CDL skills test must be conducted in three parts in the following order: pre-trip inspection, vehicle control skills, and on-road driving (§ 383.133(c)(6)). Minnesota asks that it be allowed to combine the second and third parts (vehicle control skills and on-road driving) and thus reduce the skills test to two parts. It also asks to be exempted from using the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) 2005 Test Model Score Sheet. Finally, it asks to be exempted from the requirement that applicants must pass the pre-trip inspection portion of the exam before proceeding to the balance of the test. Minnesota states that under its proposed approach, it can more efficiently manage the limited space of VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:16 Jul 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 its test sites and conduct more CDL tests each day. It states that denial of its application for exemption will result in a less-rigorous CDL test and negatively affect motor carriers and drivers. A copy of Minnesota’s application for exemption is in the docket listed at the beginning of this notice. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(4) and 31136(e), FMCSA requests public comment on Minnesota’s application for exemption. The Agency will consider all comments received by close of business on August 31, 2016. Comments will be available for examination in the docket at the location listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Issued on: July 22, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–18131 Filed 7–29–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0121; FMCSA– 2013–0123; FMCSA–2013–0124; FMCSA– 2013–0125; FMCSA–2014–0102; FMCSA– 2014–0104] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions for 20 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: This decision was effective March 4, 2016. Comments must be received on or before August 31, 2016. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, Medical Programs Division, 202–366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. SUMMARY: Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document Management System (FDMS) at: https:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. 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. II. Background DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION PO 00000 50593 Sfmt 4703 Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption for up to 2 years if it finds ‘‘such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.’’ The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to driver a CMV if that person: First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951. 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). The 20 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. III. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the E:\FR\FM\01AUN1.SGM 01AUN1 50594 Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 147 / Monday, August 1, 2016 / Notices statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and related materials. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of the 20 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement (80 FR 18924; 80 FR 18926; 80 FR 22766; 80 FR 22768; 80 FR 60747). The Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) and Motor Carrier Management Informatiom System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to drive safely in interstate commerce. V. Exemption Decision The 20 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous 2-year exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to renew each exemption for a two-year period. They are: Joshua Arango (FL), Michael Beebe (NJ), Andrew Deuschle (TX), David Garland (ME), Daniel Grossinger (MD), Roman Landa (CA), Claire Mitcham (TX), Quinton Murphy (WI), Michael Paasch (NE), Jeffrey Pagenkopf (MN), Kelly Pulvermacher (WI), Alfredo Ramirez (TX), Fernando Ramirez-Savon (NM), Julie Ramirez (TX), Ralph Reno (PA), Adalberto Rodriguez (NY), Andrey Shevchenko (MN), William Symonds (IL), Hayden Teesdale (TX), Joshua Weaver (GA). VI. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) Each VerDate Sep<11>2014 20:16 Jul 29, 2016 Jkt 238001 driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. In addition, the driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement officials. The driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315. VII. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 20 exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Issued on: July 22, 2016. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2016–18137 Filed 7–29–16; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA- 2016–0002] Qualification of Drivers; Application for Exemptions; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 33 individuals for an exemption from the hearing requirement to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 31, 2016. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA– 2016–0002 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, Washington, DC 20590–0001. • Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket numbers for this notice. Note that all comments received will be posted without change to https:// www.regulations.gov, including any personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to https:// www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting comments on-line. Privacy Act: 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: Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, (202) 366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– 113, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. ADDRESSES: E:\FR\FM\01AUN1.SGM 01AUN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 147 (Monday, August 1, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 50593-50594]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-18137]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0121; FMCSA-2013-0123; FMCSA-2013-0124; FMCSA-
2013-0125; FMCSA-2014-0102; FMCSA-2014-0104]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions for 20 
individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle 
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs 
in interstate commerce.

DATES: This decision was effective March 4, 2016. Comments must be 
received on or before August 31, 2016.

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Electronic Access

    You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document 
Management System (FDMS) at: https://www.regulations.gov.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to https://www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12-140 on the 
ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays.
    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.

II. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
for up to 2 years if it finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a 
level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that 
would be achieved absent such exemption.'' The statute also allows the 
Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 2-year period. The 
physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 
49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically qualified to 
driver a CMV if that person:

    First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at 
not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if 
tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average 
hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 
1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid when the 
audiometric device is calibrated to American National Standard 
(formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5--1951.

    49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 
to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a 
hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 
1971).
    The 20 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), in 
accordance with FMCSA procedures.

III. Request for Comments

    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not 
currently achieving the

[[Page 50594]]

statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency 
will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being 
compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent 
with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA 
will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. FMCSA 
encourages you to participate by submitting comments and related 
materials.

IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no 
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon 
application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of 
the 20 applicants has satisfied the entry conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the hearing requirement (80 FR 18924; 80 FR 18926; 80 FR 
22766; 80 FR 22768; 80 FR 60747). The Commercial Driver's License 
Information System (CDLIS) and Motor Carrier Management Informatiom 
System (MCMIS) are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL 
holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver's 
Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors provide an adequate basis for 
predicting each driver's ability to continue to drive safely in 
interstate commerce.

V. Exemption Decision

    The 20 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the 
Agency and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise 
their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous 2-year 
exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for 
each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal 
to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to 
renew each exemption for a two-year period. They are:

Joshua Arango (FL), Michael Beebe (NJ), Andrew Deuschle (TX), David 
Garland (ME), Daniel Grossinger (MD), Roman Landa (CA), Claire Mitcham 
(TX), Quinton Murphy (WI), Michael Paasch (NE), Jeffrey Pagenkopf (MN), 
Kelly Pulvermacher (WI), Alfredo Ramirez (TX), Fernando Ramirez-Savon 
(NM), Julie Ramirez (TX), Ralph Reno (PA), Adalberto Rodriguez (NY), 
Andrey Shevchenko (MN), William Symonds (IL), Hayden Teesdale (TX), 
Joshua Weaver (GA).

VI. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 
CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for 
disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. 
In addition, the driver must also have a copy of the exemption when 
driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local 
enforcement officials. The driver is prohibited from operating a 
motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The exemption 
does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing 
requirements. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless 
rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The 
person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; 
(2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was 
maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315.

VII. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 20 exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless 
revoked earlier by FMCSA.

    Issued on: July 22, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016-18137 Filed 7-29-16; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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