Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision, 90050-90052 [2016-29833]
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90050
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 13, 2016 / Notices
The drivers were included in one of
the following dockets: Docket No.
FMCSA–2003–16564; FMCSA–2007–
0071. Their exemptions are effective as
of March 31, 2016 and will expire on
March 31, 2018.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315,
each exemption will be valid for two
years from the effective date unless
revoked earlier by FMCSA. The
exemption will be revoked if the
following occurs: (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 prior to being granted;
or (3) continuation of the exemption
would not be consistent with the goals
and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136 and
31315.
Issued on: December 2, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016–29826 Filed 12–12–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–1998–4334; FMCSA–
1999–5578; FMCSA–1999–6156; FMCSA–
2001–9561; FMCSA–2001–11426; FMCSA–
2006–24015; FMCSA–2006–24783; FMCSA–
2008–0021; FMCSA–2008–0106; FMCSA–
2008–0174; FMCSA–2009–0154; FMCSA–
2009–0206; FMCSA–2009–0291; FMCSA–
2010–0050; FMCSA–2010–0082; FMCSA–
2010–0114; FMCSA–2011–0324; FMCSA–
2011–0379; FMCSA–2012–0104; FMCSA–
2012–0106; FMCSA–2012–0159; FMCSA–
2012–0160; FMCSA–2012–0161; FMCSA–
2014–0002; FMCSA–2014–0003; FMCSA–
2014–0006; FMCSA–2014–0007; FMCSA–
2014–0008]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Vision
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of renewal of
exemptions; request for comments.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces its
decision to renew exemptions for 100
individuals from the vision requirement
in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate
commercial motor vehicle (CMV)
drivers. The exemptions enable these
individuals to continue to operate CMVs
in interstate commerce without meeting
the vision requirement in one eye.
DATES: Each group of renewed
exemptions was effective on the dates
stated in the discussions below and will
expire on the dates stated in the
pmangrum on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
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15:08 Dec 12, 2016
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discussions below. Comments must be
received on or before January 12, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms.
Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 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., e.t., Monday through Friday,
except Federal holidays. If you have
questions regarding viewing or
submitting material to the docket,
contact Docket Services, telephone (202)
366–9826.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
bearing the Federal Docket Management
System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–
1998–4334; FMCSA–1999–5578;
FMCSA–1999–6156; FMCSA–2001–
9561; FMCSA–2001–11426; FMCSA–
2006–24015; FMCSA–2006–24783;
FMCSA–2008–0021; FMCSA–2008–
0106; FMCSA–2008–0174; FMCSA–
2009–0154; FMCSA–2009–0206;
FMCSA–2009–0291; FMCSA–2010–
0050; FMCSA–2010–0082; FMCSA–
2010–0114; FMCSA–2011–0324;
FMCSA–2011–0379; FMCSA–2012–
0104; FMCSA–2012–0106; FMCSA–
2012–0159; FMCSA–2012–0160;
FMCSA–2012–0161; FMCSA–2014–
0002; FMCSA–2014–0003; FMCSA–
2014–0006; FMCSA–2014–0007;
FMCSA–2014–0008 using any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the
online 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 5p.m., e.t.,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
Holidays.
• Fax: 1–202–493–2251.
Instructions: Each submission must
include the Agency name and the
docket number(s) 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
PO 00000
Frm 00159
Fmt 4703
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Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through
Friday, except Federal holidays. The
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 online.
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 https://www.regulations.gov,
as described in the system of records
notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can
be reviewed at https://www.dot.gov/
privacy.
I. Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
FMCSA may grant an exemption for two
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 two-year period.
The physical qualification standard
for drivers regarding vision found in 49
CFR 391.41(b)(10) states that a person is
physically qualified to driver a CMV if
that person:
Has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40
(Snellen) in each eye without corrective
lenses or visual acuity separately corrected to
20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective
lenses, distant binocular acuity of a least
20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or without
corrective lenses, field of vision of at least
70° in the horizontal meridian in each eye,
and the ability to recognize the colors of
traffic signals and devices showing red,
green, and amber.
The 100 individuals listed in this
notice have requested renewal of their
exemptions from the vision standard in
49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), in accordance
with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly,
FMCSA has evaluated these
applications for renewal on their merits
and decided to extend each exemption
for a renewable two-year period.
II. 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
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
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Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 13, 2016 / Notices
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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.
III. 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 100 applicants
has satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the vision
requirement (63 FR 66227; 64 FR 16520;
64 FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 64 FR 54948;
65 FR 159; 66 FR 30502; 66 FR 41654;
66 FR 66969; 67 FR 10471; 67 FR 10475;
67 FR 17102; 67 FR 19798; 68 FR 44837;
68 FR 69432; 69 FR 8260; 69 FR 17267;
69 FR 19611; 70 FR 41811; 71 FR 644;
71 FR 6824; 71 FR 14566; 71 FR 14567;
71 FR 14568; 71 FR 19604; 71 FR 26601;
71 FR 30227; 71 FR 30228; 71 FR 32183;
71 FR 41310; 72 FR 52423; 73 FR 15254;
73 FR 15567; 73 FR 27014; 73 FR 27015;
73 FR 28187; 73 FR 35195; 73 FR 35196;
73 FR 35197; 73 FR 35198; 73 FR 35199;
73 FR 35200; 73 FR 35201; 73 FR 36955;
73 FR 38497; 73 FR 38498; 73 FR 38499;
73 FR 42403; 73 FR 48273; 73 FR 48275;
74 FR 37299; 74 FR 43220; 74 FR 48344;
74 FR 57553; 74 FR 65842; 75 FR 9482;
75 FR 14656; 75 FR 19674; 75 FR 20881;
75 FR 25918; 75 FR 25919; 75 FR 27622;
75 FR 28682; 75 FR 34210; 75 FR 34211;
75 FR 34212; 75 FR 36778; 75 FR 36779;
75 FR 38602; 75 FR 39729; 75 FR 44051;
77 FR 7657; 77 10604; 77 FR 15184; 77
FR 17115; 77 FR 22059; 77 FR 23797;
77 FR 26816; 77 FR 27847; 77 FR 27850;
77 FR 29447; 77 FR 36336; 77 FR 36338;
77 FR 38381; 77 FR 38384; 77 FR 38386;
77 FR 40945; 77 FR 40946; 77 FR 41879;
77 FR 44708; 77 FR 44946; 77 FR 46153;
77 FR 46795; 77 FR 51846; 77 FR 52391;
79 FR 10606; 79 FR 10619; 79 FR 14571;
79 FR 17641; 79 FR 18390; 79 FR 21996;
79 FR 22003; 79 FR 23797; 79 FR 27043;
79 FR 28588; 79 FR 29495; 79 FR 35212;
79 FR 35218; 79 FR 35220; 79 FR 37842;
79 FR 37843; 79 FR 38659; 79 FR 38661;
79 FR 40945; 79 FR 41735; 79 FR 41737;
79 FR 41740; 79 FR 46153; 79 FR 47175;
79 FR 53514; 79 FR 56102). They have
submitted evidence showing that the
vision in the better eye continues to
meet the requirement specified at 49
CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision
impairment is stable. In addition, a
review of each record of safety while
driving with the respective vision
deficiencies over the past two years
indicates each applicant continues to
meet the vision exemption
requirements. These factors provide an
adequate basis for predicting each
driver’s ability to continue to drive
safely in interstate commerce.
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15:08 Dec 12, 2016
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Therefore, FMCSA concludes that
extending the exemption for each
renewal applicant for a period of two
years is likely to achieve a level of safety
equal to that existing without the
exemption.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following groups of
drivers received renewed exemptions in
the month of August and are discussed
below:
As of August 1, 2016, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 21 individuals
have satisfied the conditions for
obtaining a renewed exemption from the
vision requirements (64 FR 54948; 65
FR 159; 66 FR 41654; 66 FR 66969; 67
FR 10471; 67 FR 10475; 67 FR 17102;
67 FR 19798; 68 FR 44837; 68 FR 69432;
69 FR 8260; 69 FR 17267; 69 FR 19611;
70 FR 41811; 71 FR 644; 71 FR 6824; 71
FR 14568; 71 FR 19604; 71 FR 26601;
71 FR 30228; 71 FR 32183; 71 FR 41310;
72 FR 52423; 73 FR 15254; 73 FR 15567;
73 FR 27014; 73 FR 27015; 73 FR 36955;
73 FR 42403; 74 FR 43220; 74 FR 57553;
74 FR 65842; 75 FR 9482; 75 FR 14656;
75 FR 19674; 75 FR 20881; 75 FR 25918;
75 FR 27622; 75 FR 28682; 75 FR 36778;
75 FR 36779; 75 FR 38602; 75 FR 39729;
77 FR 7657; 77 10604; 77 FR 15184; 77
FR 17115; 77 FR 22059; 77 FR 23797;
77 FR 26816; 77 FR 27847; 77 FR 27850;
77 FR 29447; 77 FR 36338; 77 FR 38384;
77 FR 38386; 77 FR 44946; 79 FR 10606;
79 FR 10619; 79 FR 14571; 79 FR 17641;
79 FR 18390; 79 FR 21996; 79 FR 22003;
79 FR 23797; 79 FR 27043; 79 FR 28588;
79 FR 29495; 79 FR 35212; 79 FR 35218;
79 FR 35220; 79 FR 37842; 79 FR 37843;
79 FR 47175):
Lloyd J. Botsford (MO)
Brad T. Braegger (UT)
Ronald D. Danberry (MN)
Frank J. Faria (CA)
Juneau Faulkner (GA)
Curtis N. Fulbright (NC)
Randy M. Garcia (NM)
Dean D. Hawks (WI)
Larry L. Jarvis (VA)
Julian A. Mancha (TX)
Randall L. Mathis (AL)
Larry G. Nikkel (WA)
Michael J. Rankin (OH)
Justin T. Richman (IN)
Kevin L. Routin (KY)
Andrew W. Schollett (CO)
Michael D. Singleton (IN)
Roberto E. Soto (TX)
Gary R. Thomas (OH)
Barney J. Wade (MS)
Wade W. Ward (WY)
The drivers were included in one of
the following dockets: Docket Nos.
FMCSA–1999–6156; FMCSA–2001–
9561; FMCSA–2001–11426; FMCSA–
2006–24015; FMCSA–2006–24783;
PO 00000
Frm 00160
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
90051
FMCSA–2008–0021; FMCSA–2009–
0206; FMCSA–2009–0291; FMCSA–
2010–0050; FMCSA–2010–0082;
FMCSA–2011–0324; FCMSA–2011–
0379; FMCSA–2012–0104; FMCSA–
2014–0002; FMCSA–2014–0003;
FMCSA–2014–0006. Their exemptions
are effective as of August 1, 2016 and
will expire on August 1, 2018.
As of August 6, 2016, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 8 individuals have
satisfied the conditions for obtaining a
renewed exemption from the vision
requirements (64 FR 27027; 64 FR
51568; 71 FR 14566; 71 FR 30227; 73 FR
27014; 75 FR 25918; 75 FR 38602; 75 FR
39729; 77 FR 15184; 77 FR 27850; 77 FR
33017; 77 FR 36336; 77 FR 36338; 77 FR
40946; 77 FR 44708; 77 FR 46795; 79 FR
38661):
William L. Martin (OR)
Richard L. Miller (IN)
Gerardus C. Molenaar (PA)
James R. Morgan (MI)
Lance C. Phares (NY)
Willard L. Riggle (IN)
Richard D. Tucker II (NC)
Jay Turner (OH)
The drivers were included in one of
the following dockets: Docket No.
FMCSA–1999–5578; FMCSA–2006–
24015; FMCSA–2010–0082; FMCSA–
2011–0379; FMCSA–2012–0106;
FMCSA–2012–0159. Their exemptions
are effective as of August 6, 2016 and
will expire on August 6, 2018.
As of August 8, 2016, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 25 individuals
have satisfied the conditions for
obtaining a renewed exemption from the
vision requirements (79 FR 38659; 79
FR 53514):
Jimmy A. Baker (TX)
Frank B. Belenchia (TN)
Ricky W. Bettes (TX)
Antonio A. Calixto (MN)
James W. Carter, Jr. (KS)
Ronald G. Daniels (MO)
Larry G. Davis (TN)
Michael C. Doheny (CT)
George P. Ford (NC)
Todd M. Harguth (MN)
Dennis W. Helgeson (MN)
Ronnie L. Henry (KS)
Johnny L. Irving (MS)
Kevin L. Jones (SC)
Keith A. Kelley (ME)
David L. Miller (OH)
Earl L. Mokma (MI)
Donald L. Nisbet (WA)
David Perkins (NY)
Harry W. Root (MN)
Paul W. Sorenson (UT)
Randall H. Tempel (MT)
Cory J. Tivnan (WA)
Ricky W. Witt (IA)
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90052
Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 239 / Tuesday, December 13, 2016 / Notices
John D. Woods (MI)
The drivers were included on the
following docket: Docket No. FMCSA–
2014–0007. Their exemptions are
effective as of August 8, 2016 and will
expire on August 8, 2018.
As of August 9, 2016, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 8 individuals have
satisfied the conditions for obtaining a
renewed exemption from the vision
requirements (75 FR 34210; 75 FR
34211; 75 FR 34212; 75 FR 47888; 77 FR
40945; 79 FR 40945):
Mark S. Berkheimer (PA)
Rici W. Giesseman (OH)
Michael A. Jabro (MI)
Michael M. Martinez (NM)
Buddy W. Myrick (TX)
Alan J. Reynaldos (NJ)
Charles L. Rill, Sr. (MD)
Roger Sulfridge (KY)
The drivers were included on the
following docket: Docket No. FMCSA–
2010–0114. Their exemptions are
effective as of August 9, 2016 and will
expire on August 9, 2018.
As of August 18, 2016, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 32 individuals
have satisfied the conditions for
obtaining a renewed exemption from the
vision requirements (63 FR 66227; 64
FR 16520; 71 FR 14567; 71 FR 30228;
73 FR 28187; 73 FR 35195; 73 FR 35196;
73 FR 35197; 73 FR 35198; 73 FR 35199;
73 FR 35200; 73 FR 35201; 73 FR 38497;
38498; 73 FR 38499; 73 FR 48273; 73 FR
48275; 74 FR 37299; 74 FR 48344; 75 FR
25919; 75 FR 39729; 75 FR 44051; 77 FR
40946; 77 FR 46153; 79 FR 46153):
Catarino Aispuro (OR)
Gary R. Andersen (NE)
Donald L. Carman (OH)
Christopher R. Cone (GA)
Walter O. Connelly (WA)
Armando P. D’Angeli (PA)
Henry L. Donvian (WV)
Roger D. Elders (MI)
James F. Epperson (IN)
Lucious J. Erwin (TX)
Riche Ford (CO)
Kevin K. Friedel (NY)
Steven G. Harter (OR)
George F. Hernandez, Jr. (AZ)
Andrew C. Kelly (WV)
Jason W. King (MT)
Billy J. Lewis (LA)
Robert W. McMillian (MA)
Richard A. Peterson (OR)
Chad M. Quarles (AL)
Carroll G. Quisenberry (KY)
Ryan J. Reimann (WI)
Jacob H. Riggle (OK)
Brandon J. See (IA)
Ricky L. Shepler (PA)
LeTroy D. Sims (SC)
John L. Stone (PA)
VerDate Sep<11>2014
15:08 Dec 12, 2016
Jkt 241001
Nils S. Thornberg (OR)
Daniel W. Toppings (WV)
Christopher R. Whitson (NC)
Charles A. Winchell (OK)
Aaron E. Wright (MI)
The drivers were included on the
following docket: Docket No. FMCSA–
1999–4334; FMCSA–2006–24015;
FMCSA–2008–0106; FMCSA–2008–
0174; FMCSA–2009–0154; FMCSA–
2010–0082. Their exemptions are
effective as of August 18, 2016 and will
expire on August 18, 2018.
As of August 19, 2016, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 2 individuals have
satisfied the conditions for obtaining a
renewed exemption from the vision
requirements (79 FR 41737; 79 FR
56102):
Leamon V. Manchester (LA)
Leverne F. Schilte, Jr. (OH)
The drivers were included on the
following docket: Docket No. FMCSA–
2014–0008. Their exemptions are
effective as of August 19, 2016 and will
expire on August 19, 2018.
As of August 27, 2016, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 2 individuals have
satisfied the conditions for obtaining a
renewed exemption from the vision
requirements (77 FR 38381; 77 FR
51846; 79 FR 41740):
Tyrane Harper (AL)
Gregory S. Smith (AR)
The drivers were included on the
following docket: Docket No. FMCSA–
2012–0160. Their exemptions are
effective as of August 27, 2016 and will
expire on August 27, 2018.
As of August 29, 2016, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 2 individuals have
satisfied the conditions for obtaining a
renewed exemption from the vision
requirements (77 FR 41879; 77 FR
52391; 79 FR 41735):
Ricky W. Goins (TN)
Clayton Schroeder (MN)
The drivers were included on the
following docket: Docket No. FMCSA–
2012–0161. Their exemptions are
effective as of August 29, 2016 and will
expire on August 29, 2018.
CFR 391.41; (2) each driver must
provide a copy of the ophthalmologist’s
or optometrist’s report to the Medical
Examiner at the time of the annual
medical examination; and (3) each
driver must provide a copy of the
annual medical certification to the
employer for retention in the driver’s
qualification file and retains a copy of
the certification on his/her person while
driving for presentation to a duly
authorized Federal, State, or local
enforcement official. 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.
IV. Preemption
During the period the exemption is in
effect, no State shall enforce any law or
regulation that conflicts with this
exemption with respect to a person
operating under the exemption.
VI. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 100
exemption applications, FMCSA renews
the exemptions of the aforementioned
drivers from the vision requirement in
49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the
requirements cited above (49 CFR
391.64(b)). In accordance with 49 U.S.C.
31136(e) and 31315, each exemption
will be valid for two years unless
revoked earlier by FMCSA.
Issued on: December 2, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016–29833 Filed 12–12–16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
Conditions and Requirements
The exemptions are extended subject
to the following conditions: (1) Each
driver must undergo an annual physical
examination (a) by an ophthalmologist
or optometrist who attests that the
vision in the better eye continues to
meet the requirements in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(10), and (b) by a certified
Medical Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR
390.5, who attests that the driver is
otherwise physically qualified under 49
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 239 (Tuesday, December 13, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 90050-90052]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2016-29833]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-1999-5578; FMCSA-1999-6156; FMCSA-
2001-9561; FMCSA-2001-11426; FMCSA-2006-24015; FMCSA-2006-24783; FMCSA-
2008-0021; FMCSA-2008-0106; FMCSA-2008-0174; FMCSA-2009-0154; FMCSA-
2009-0206; FMCSA-2009-0291; FMCSA-2010-0050; FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-
2010-0114; FMCSA-2011-0324; FMCSA-2011-0379; FMCSA-2012-0104; FMCSA-
2012-0106; FMCSA-2012-0159; FMCSA-2012-0160; FMCSA-2012-0161; FMCSA-
2014-0002; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0006; FMCSA-2014-0007; FMCSA-
2014-0008]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 100
individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to continue to
operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision
requirement in one eye.
DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions was effective on the dates
stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in
the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before January
12, 2017.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief,
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.,
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket,
contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-1999-5578;
FMCSA-1999-6156; FMCSA-2001-9561; FMCSA-2001-11426; FMCSA-2006-24015;
FMCSA-2006-24783; FMCSA-2008-0021; FMCSA-2008-0106; FMCSA-2008-0174;
FMCSA-2009-0154; FMCSA-2009-0206; FMCSA-2009-0291; FMCSA-2010-0050;
FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-2010-0114; FMCSA-2011-0324; FMCSA-2011-0379;
FMCSA-2012-0104; FMCSA-2012-0106; FMCSA-2012-0159; FMCSA-2012-0160;
FMCSA-2012-0161; FMCSA-2014-0002; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0006;
FMCSA-2014-0007; FMCSA-2014-0008 using any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 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.
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I. Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption
for two 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 two-year period.
The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding vision
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) states that a person is physically
qualified to driver a CMV if that person:
Has distant visual acuity of at least 20/40 (Snellen) in each
eye without corrective lenses or visual acuity separately corrected
to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with corrective lenses, distant
binocular acuity of a least 20/40 (Snellen) in both eyes with or
without corrective lenses, field of vision of at least 70[deg] in
the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability to recognize
the colors of traffic signals and devices showing red, green, and
amber.
The 100 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of
their exemptions from the vision standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), in
accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated
these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend
each exemption for a renewable two-year period.
II. 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 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
[[Page 90051]]
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.
III. 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 100 applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining
an exemption from the vision requirement (63 FR 66227; 64 FR 16520; 64
FR 27027; 64 FR 51568; 64 FR 54948; 65 FR 159; 66 FR 30502; 66 FR
41654; 66 FR 66969; 67 FR 10471; 67 FR 10475; 67 FR 17102; 67 FR 19798;
68 FR 44837; 68 FR 69432; 69 FR 8260; 69 FR 17267; 69 FR 19611; 70 FR
41811; 71 FR 644; 71 FR 6824; 71 FR 14566; 71 FR 14567; 71 FR 14568; 71
FR 19604; 71 FR 26601; 71 FR 30227; 71 FR 30228; 71 FR 32183; 71 FR
41310; 72 FR 52423; 73 FR 15254; 73 FR 15567; 73 FR 27014; 73 FR 27015;
73 FR 28187; 73 FR 35195; 73 FR 35196; 73 FR 35197; 73 FR 35198; 73 FR
35199; 73 FR 35200; 73 FR 35201; 73 FR 36955; 73 FR 38497; 73 FR 38498;
73 FR 38499; 73 FR 42403; 73 FR 48273; 73 FR 48275; 74 FR 37299; 74 FR
43220; 74 FR 48344; 74 FR 57553; 74 FR 65842; 75 FR 9482; 75 FR 14656;
75 FR 19674; 75 FR 20881; 75 FR 25918; 75 FR 25919; 75 FR 27622; 75 FR
28682; 75 FR 34210; 75 FR 34211; 75 FR 34212; 75 FR 36778; 75 FR 36779;
75 FR 38602; 75 FR 39729; 75 FR 44051; 77 FR 7657; 77 10604; 77 FR
15184; 77 FR 17115; 77 FR 22059; 77 FR 23797; 77 FR 26816; 77 FR 27847;
77 FR 27850; 77 FR 29447; 77 FR 36336; 77 FR 36338; 77 FR 38381; 77 FR
38384; 77 FR 38386; 77 FR 40945; 77 FR 40946; 77 FR 41879; 77 FR 44708;
77 FR 44946; 77 FR 46153; 77 FR 46795; 77 FR 51846; 77 FR 52391; 79 FR
10606; 79 FR 10619; 79 FR 14571; 79 FR 17641; 79 FR 18390; 79 FR 21996;
79 FR 22003; 79 FR 23797; 79 FR 27043; 79 FR 28588; 79 FR 29495; 79 FR
35212; 79 FR 35218; 79 FR 35220; 79 FR 37842; 79 FR 37843; 79 FR 38659;
79 FR 38661; 79 FR 40945; 79 FR 41735; 79 FR 41737; 79 FR 41740; 79 FR
46153; 79 FR 47175; 79 FR 53514; 79 FR 56102). They have submitted
evidence showing that the vision in the better eye continues to meet
the requirement specified at 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) and that the vision
impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each record of safety
while driving with the respective vision deficiencies over the past two
years indicates each applicant continues to meet the vision exemption
requirements. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting
each driver's ability to continue to drive safely in interstate
commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for
each renewal applicant for a period of two years is likely to achieve a
level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the following
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of August
and are discussed below:
As of August 1, 2016, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 21 individuals have satisfied the conditions for
obtaining a renewed exemption from the vision requirements (64 FR
54948; 65 FR 159; 66 FR 41654; 66 FR 66969; 67 FR 10471; 67 FR 10475;
67 FR 17102; 67 FR 19798; 68 FR 44837; 68 FR 69432; 69 FR 8260; 69 FR
17267; 69 FR 19611; 70 FR 41811; 71 FR 644; 71 FR 6824; 71 FR 14568; 71
FR 19604; 71 FR 26601; 71 FR 30228; 71 FR 32183; 71 FR 41310; 72 FR
52423; 73 FR 15254; 73 FR 15567; 73 FR 27014; 73 FR 27015; 73 FR 36955;
73 FR 42403; 74 FR 43220; 74 FR 57553; 74 FR 65842; 75 FR 9482; 75 FR
14656; 75 FR 19674; 75 FR 20881; 75 FR 25918; 75 FR 27622; 75 FR 28682;
75 FR 36778; 75 FR 36779; 75 FR 38602; 75 FR 39729; 77 FR 7657; 77
10604; 77 FR 15184; 77 FR 17115; 77 FR 22059; 77 FR 23797; 77 FR 26816;
77 FR 27847; 77 FR 27850; 77 FR 29447; 77 FR 36338; 77 FR 38384; 77 FR
38386; 77 FR 44946; 79 FR 10606; 79 FR 10619; 79 FR 14571; 79 FR 17641;
79 FR 18390; 79 FR 21996; 79 FR 22003; 79 FR 23797; 79 FR 27043; 79 FR
28588; 79 FR 29495; 79 FR 35212; 79 FR 35218; 79 FR 35220; 79 FR 37842;
79 FR 37843; 79 FR 47175):
Lloyd J. Botsford (MO)
Brad T. Braegger (UT)
Ronald D. Danberry (MN)
Frank J. Faria (CA)
Juneau Faulkner (GA)
Curtis N. Fulbright (NC)
Randy M. Garcia (NM)
Dean D. Hawks (WI)
Larry L. Jarvis (VA)
Julian A. Mancha (TX)
Randall L. Mathis (AL)
Larry G. Nikkel (WA)
Michael J. Rankin (OH)
Justin T. Richman (IN)
Kevin L. Routin (KY)
Andrew W. Schollett (CO)
Michael D. Singleton (IN)
Roberto E. Soto (TX)
Gary R. Thomas (OH)
Barney J. Wade (MS)
Wade W. Ward (WY)
The drivers were included in one of the following dockets: Docket
Nos. FMCSA-1999-6156; FMCSA-2001-9561; FMCSA-2001-11426; FMCSA-2006-
24015; FMCSA-2006-24783; FMCSA-2008-0021; FMCSA-2009-0206; FMCSA-2009-
0291; FMCSA-2010-0050; FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-2011-0324; FCMSA-2011-
0379; FMCSA-2012-0104; FMCSA-2014-0002; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-
0006. Their exemptions are effective as of August 1, 2016 and will
expire on August 1, 2018.
As of August 6, 2016, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 8 individuals have satisfied the conditions for
obtaining a renewed exemption from the vision requirements (64 FR
27027; 64 FR 51568; 71 FR 14566; 71 FR 30227; 73 FR 27014; 75 FR 25918;
75 FR 38602; 75 FR 39729; 77 FR 15184; 77 FR 27850; 77 FR 33017; 77 FR
36336; 77 FR 36338; 77 FR 40946; 77 FR 44708; 77 FR 46795; 79 FR
38661):
William L. Martin (OR)
Richard L. Miller (IN)
Gerardus C. Molenaar (PA)
James R. Morgan (MI)
Lance C. Phares (NY)
Willard L. Riggle (IN)
Richard D. Tucker II (NC)
Jay Turner (OH)
The drivers were included in one of the following dockets: Docket
No. FMCSA-1999-5578; FMCSA-2006-24015; FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-2011-
0379; FMCSA-2012-0106; FMCSA-2012-0159. Their exemptions are effective
as of August 6, 2016 and will expire on August 6, 2018.
As of August 8, 2016, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 25 individuals have satisfied the conditions for
obtaining a renewed exemption from the vision requirements (79 FR
38659; 79 FR 53514):
Jimmy A. Baker (TX)
Frank B. Belenchia (TN)
Ricky W. Bettes (TX)
Antonio A. Calixto (MN)
James W. Carter, Jr. (KS)
Ronald G. Daniels (MO)
Larry G. Davis (TN)
Michael C. Doheny (CT)
George P. Ford (NC)
Todd M. Harguth (MN)
Dennis W. Helgeson (MN)
Ronnie L. Henry (KS)
Johnny L. Irving (MS)
Kevin L. Jones (SC)
Keith A. Kelley (ME)
David L. Miller (OH)
Earl L. Mokma (MI)
Donald L. Nisbet (WA)
David Perkins (NY)
Harry W. Root (MN)
Paul W. Sorenson (UT)
Randall H. Tempel (MT)
Cory J. Tivnan (WA)
Ricky W. Witt (IA)
[[Page 90052]]
John D. Woods (MI)
The drivers were included on the following docket: Docket No.
FMCSA-2014-0007. Their exemptions are effective as of August 8, 2016
and will expire on August 8, 2018.
As of August 9, 2016, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, the following 8 individuals have satisfied the conditions for
obtaining a renewed exemption from the vision requirements (75 FR
34210; 75 FR 34211; 75 FR 34212; 75 FR 47888; 77 FR 40945; 79 FR
40945):
Mark S. Berkheimer (PA)
Rici W. Giesseman (OH)
Michael A. Jabro (MI)
Michael M. Martinez (NM)
Buddy W. Myrick (TX)
Alan J. Reynaldos (NJ)
Charles L. Rill, Sr. (MD)
Roger Sulfridge (KY)
The drivers were included on the following docket: Docket No.
FMCSA-2010-0114. Their exemptions are effective as of August 9, 2016
and will expire on August 9, 2018.
As of August 18, 2016, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following 32 individuals have satisfied the conditions
for obtaining a renewed exemption from the vision requirements (63 FR
66227; 64 FR 16520; 71 FR 14567; 71 FR 30228; 73 FR 28187; 73 FR 35195;
73 FR 35196; 73 FR 35197; 73 FR 35198; 73 FR 35199; 73 FR 35200; 73 FR
35201; 73 FR 38497; 38498; 73 FR 38499; 73 FR 48273; 73 FR 48275; 74 FR
37299; 74 FR 48344; 75 FR 25919; 75 FR 39729; 75 FR 44051; 77 FR 40946;
77 FR 46153; 79 FR 46153):
Catarino Aispuro (OR)
Gary R. Andersen (NE)
Donald L. Carman (OH)
Christopher R. Cone (GA)
Walter O. Connelly (WA)
Armando P. D'Angeli (PA)
Henry L. Donvian (WV)
Roger D. Elders (MI)
James F. Epperson (IN)
Lucious J. Erwin (TX)
Riche Ford (CO)
Kevin K. Friedel (NY)
Steven G. Harter (OR)
George F. Hernandez, Jr. (AZ)
Andrew C. Kelly (WV)
Jason W. King (MT)
Billy J. Lewis (LA)
Robert W. McMillian (MA)
Richard A. Peterson (OR)
Chad M. Quarles (AL)
Carroll G. Quisenberry (KY)
Ryan J. Reimann (WI)
Jacob H. Riggle (OK)
Brandon J. See (IA)
Ricky L. Shepler (PA)
LeTroy D. Sims (SC)
John L. Stone (PA)
Nils S. Thornberg (OR)
Daniel W. Toppings (WV)
Christopher R. Whitson (NC)
Charles A. Winchell (OK)
Aaron E. Wright (MI)
The drivers were included on the following docket: Docket No.
FMCSA-1999-4334; FMCSA-2006-24015; FMCSA-2008-0106; FMCSA-2008-0174;
FMCSA-2009-0154; FMCSA-2010-0082. Their exemptions are effective as of
August 18, 2016 and will expire on August 18, 2018.
As of August 19, 2016, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following 2 individuals have satisfied the conditions
for obtaining a renewed exemption from the vision requirements (79 FR
41737; 79 FR 56102):
Leamon V. Manchester (LA)
Leverne F. Schilte, Jr. (OH)
The drivers were included on the following docket: Docket No.
FMCSA-2014-0008. Their exemptions are effective as of August 19, 2016
and will expire on August 19, 2018.
As of August 27, 2016, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following 2 individuals have satisfied the conditions
for obtaining a renewed exemption from the vision requirements (77 FR
38381; 77 FR 51846; 79 FR 41740):
Tyrane Harper (AL)
Gregory S. Smith (AR)
The drivers were included on the following docket: Docket No.
FMCSA-2012-0160. Their exemptions are effective as of August 27, 2016
and will expire on August 27, 2018.
As of August 29, 2016, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following 2 individuals have satisfied the conditions
for obtaining a renewed exemption from the vision requirements (77 FR
41879; 77 FR 52391; 79 FR 41735):
Ricky W. Goins (TN)
Clayton Schroeder (MN)
The drivers were included on the following docket: Docket No.
FMCSA-2012-0161. Their exemptions are effective as of August 29, 2016
and will expire on August 29, 2018.
Conditions and Requirements
The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions:
(1) Each driver must undergo an annual physical examination (a) by an
ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the
better eye continues to meet the requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10),
and (b) by a certified Medical Examiner, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5,
who attests that the driver is otherwise physically qualified under 49
CFR 391.41; (2) each driver must provide a copy of the
ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the Medical Examiner at
the time of the annual medical examination; and (3) each driver must
provide a copy of the annual medical certification to the employer for
retention in the driver's qualification file and retains a copy of the
certification on his/her person while driving for presentation to a
duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. 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.
IV. Preemption
During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall
enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with
respect to a person operating under the exemption.
VI. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 100 exemption applications, FMCSA
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the vision
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited
above (49 CFR 391.64(b)). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked
earlier by FMCSA.
Issued on: December 2, 2016.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2016-29833 Filed 12-12-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P