Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Stoneridge, Inc. Application for an Exemption, 14716-14718 [2018-06964]

Download as PDF 14716 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Notices noise exposure map submitted under section 47503 of the Act, it should be noted that the FAA is not involved in any way in determining the relative locations of specific properties with regard to the depicted noise contours, or in interpreting the noise exposure maps to resolve questions concerning, for example, which properties should be covered by the provisions of section 47506 of the Act. These functions are inseparable from the ultimate land use control and planning responsibilities of local government. These local responsibilities are not changed in any way under Part 150 or through FAA’s review of noise exposure maps. Therefore, the responsibility for the detailed overlaying of noise exposure contours onto the map depicting properties on the surface rests exclusively with the airport operator that submitted those maps, or with those public agencies and planning agencies with which consultation is required under section 47503 of the Act. The FAA has relied on the certification by the airport operator, under section 150.21 of FAR Part 150, that the statutorily required consultation has been accomplished. Copies of the full noise exposure map documentation and of the FAA’s evaluation of the maps are available for examination at the following locations: Federal Aviation Administration, 10101 Hillwood Parkway, Fort Worth, Texas; Henry L. Thompson, Director of Airports, Shreveport Airport Authority, 5103 Hollywood Avenue, Shreveport, LA 71109. Questions may be directed to the individual named above under the heading FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT. Issued in Fort Worth, Texas, March 23, 2018. Ignacio Flores, Director, Airports Division. [FR Doc. 2018–06988 Filed 4–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES Federal Aviation Administration Office of Commercial Space Transportation: Notice of Availability and Request for Comment on the Draft Environmental Assessment (EA) for Issuing a Reentry License to SpaceX for Landing the Dragon Spacecraft in the Gulf of Mexico Federal Aviation Administration, DOT. ACTION: Notice of availability and request for comment. AGENCY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:33 Apr 04, 2018 Jkt 244001 In accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, as amended (NEPA), Council on Environmental Quality NEPA implementing regulations, and FAA Order 1050.1F, Environmental Impacts: Policies and Procedures, the FAA is announcing the availability of and requesting comment on the Draft EA for issuing a reentry license to SpaceX for Dragon landings in the Gulf of Mexico. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 4, 2018. ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Daniel Czelusniak, Environmental Protection Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20591. Comments may also be submitted by email to Dragon_ Gulf_Landing_EA@icf.com. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Daniel Czelusniak, Environmental Specialist, Federal Aviation Administration, 800 Independence Avenue SW, Suite 325, Washington, DC 20591; phone (202) 267–5924; email Dragon_Gulf_Landing_EA@icf.com. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Transportation (DOT) is the lead agency. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration and U.S. Air Force are cooperating agencies. The FAA is evaluating SpaceX’s proposal to conduct Dragon landings in the Gulf of Mexico, which would require the FAA to issue a reentry license. SpaceX has two versions of Dragon: Dragon-1 and Dragon-2. Dragon1 is used for cargo missions to the International Space Station (ISS). SpaceX intends that Dragon-2 will eventually be used to transport astronauts to the ISS. Under the Proposed Action, the FAA would issue a reentry license to SpaceX, which would authorize SpaceX to conduct up to six Dragon landing operations per year in the Gulf of Mexico. Each landing operation would include orbital reentry, splashdown, and recovery. Alternatives under consideration include the Proposed Action and the No Action Alternative. Under the No Action Alternative, the FAA would not issue a reentry license to SpaceX for Dragon reentry and splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico. SpaceX would continue to conduct Dragon reentries and splashdowns in the Pacific Ocean authorized under an FAA reentry license. The Draft EA evaluates the potential environmental impacts from the Proposed Action and No Action Alternative on air quality; climate; noise SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 and noise-compatible land use; Department of Transportation Act, section 4(f); biological resources (including aquatic plants and animals and special status species); coastal resources; water resources; natural resources and energy supply; and hazardous materials, solid waste, and pollution prevention. Potential cumulative impacts are also addressed in this EA. The FAA has posted the Draft EA on the FAA Office of Commercial Space Transportation website: https:// www.faa.gov/about/office_org/ headquarters_offices/ast/ environmental/nepa_docs/review/ launch/. The FAA encourages all interested parties to provide comments concerning the scope and content of the Draft EA by May 4, 2018. Before including your address, phone number, email address, or other personal identifying information in your comment, be advised that your entire comment— including your personal identifying information—may be made publicly available at any time. While you can ask the FAA in your comment to withhold from public review your personal identifying information, the FAA cannot guarantee that we will be able to do so. Issued in Washington, DC, on: March 26, 2018. Daniel Murray, Manager, Space Transportation Development Division. [FR Doc. 2018–06408 Filed 4–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0141] Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Stoneridge, Inc. Application for an Exemption Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requests public comment on an exemption application from Stoneridge, Inc. (Stoneridge) to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with the company’s MirrorEyeTM Camera Monitor System (CMS) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Stoneridge SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\05APN1.SGM 05APN1 amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Notices explained that it has developed, tested and manufactured the CMS to improve CMV safety by providing driver with an enhanced field of view around the cab of the truck. The company states that its MirrorEyeTM CMS meets the performance requirements provided for conventional mirrors under the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)’s standards which are crossreferenced by the FMCSRs. Stoneridge believes the exemption would maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption because CMS meets or exceeds the performance requirements for traditional mirrors. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 7, 2018. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA– 2018–0141 using any of the following methods: • Website: https:// www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments on the Federal electronic docket site. • Fax: 1–202–493–2251. • Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of Transportation, Room W12–140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. • Hand Delivery: Ground Floor, Room W12–140, DOT Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. e.t., Monday– Friday, except Federal holidays. Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and docket number for this notice. For detailed instructions on submitting comments and additional information on the exemption process, see the ‘‘Public Participation’’ heading below. 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 for further information. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments received, go to https:// www.regulations.gov or to Room W12– 140, DOT Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:33 Apr 04, 2018 Jkt 244001 notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. Public participation: The https:// www.regulations.gov website is generally available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. You may find electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines under the ‘‘help’’ section of the https://www.regulations.gov website as well as the DOT’s https:// docketsinfo.dot.gov website. If you would like notification that we received your comments, please include a selfaddressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgment page that appears after submitting comments online. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Luke W. Loy, Vehicle and Roadside Operations Division, Office of Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle Safety, MC–PSV, (202) 366–0676, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background Under Agency 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 with 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)). If the Agency denies the request, it must state the reason for doing so. If the decision is to grant the exemption, the notice must specify the person or class of persons receiving the exemption and the regulatory provision or provisions from which an exemption is granted. The notice must 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 381.315(c) and 49 CFR 381.300(b)). Stoneridge Application for Exemption Stoneridge has applied for an exemption from 49 CFR 393.80(a) to allow its MirrorEyeTM CMS to be installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required on CMVs. A PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 14717 copy of the application is included in the docket referenced at the beginning of this notice. Section 393.80(a) of the FMCSRs requires that each bus, truck, and trucktractor be equipped with two rear-vision mirrors, one at each side. The mirrors must be positioned to reflect to the driver a view of the highway to the rear, and the area along both sides of the CMV. Section 393.80(a) cross-references NTHSA’s standards for mirrors on motor vehicles (49 CFR 571.111, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard [FMVSS] No. 111). Paragraph S7.1 of FMVSS No. 111 provides requirements for mirrors on multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 4,536 kg and less than 11,340 kg and each bus, other than a school bus, with a GVWR of more than 4,536 kg. Paragraph S8.1 provides requirements for mirrors on multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks with a GVWR of 11,340 kg or more. The MirrorEyeTM CMS consists of multiple digital cameras mounted on the exterior of the CMV and enclosed in an aerodynamic package that provides both environmental protection for the cameras and a mounting location for optimal visibility. Each camera has video processing software that presents a clear, high-definition image to the driver by means of a monitor mounted to each A-pillar of the CMV, i.e., the structural member between the windshield and door of the cab. The company explains that attaching the monitors to the A-pillars avoids the creation of incremental blind spots while eliminating the blind spots associated with conventional mirrors. Stoneridge states that its CMS meets or exceeds the visibility requirements provided in FMVSS No. 111 based on several factors: • Greater field of view (FOV) than conventional mirrors—Mirrors are replaced by wide angle, narrow angle and look-down cameras expanding the FOV by an estimated 25%. • Fail-safe design—The CMS has independent video processing of multiple camera images so that in the unlikely event of an individual camera failure, the other camera images continue to be displayed. This ensures that real-time images are continuously displayed without interruption. • Augmented and enhanced vision quality—The use of high-definition digital cameras provides for color night vision, low light sensitivity and trailer panning capabilities. This assists with night driving, operating under other low lighting conditions, and provides for glare reduction. E:\FR\FM\05APN1.SGM 05APN1 14718 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 66 / Thursday, April 5, 2018 / Notices • Trailer panning—The CMS automatically tracks the end of the trailer to keep it in view while the vehicle is moving forward. Stoneridge believes this feature could eliminate collisions associated with the CMV driver making a right-hand turn, and incidents where the CMV strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist while making right hand turns. Stoneridge also believes use of its CMS may help to reduce driver fatigue by requiring less head movement by drivers compared to the number of head movement needed to use conventional mirrors. The company claims that use of its CMS provides improved fuel economy because the housing for the system is more aerodynamic than the conventional mirrors required by § 393.80(a). The exemption would apply to all CMV operators driving vehicles with the MirrorEyeTM CMS. Stoneridge believes that mounting the system as described would maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption. Request for Comments In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA requests public comment from all interested persons on Stoneridge’s application for an exemption from 49 CFR 393.80(a). All comments received before the close of business on the comment closing date indicated at the beginning of this notice will be considered and will be available for examination in the docket at the location listed under the ADDRESSES section of this notice. Comments received after the comment closing date will be filed in the public docket and will be considered to the extent practicable. In addition to late comments, FMCSA will also continue to file, in the public docket, relevant information that becomes available after the comment closing date. Interested persons should continue to examine the public docket for new material. Issued on: March 29, 2018. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. amozie on DSK30RV082PROD with NOTICES [FR Doc. 2018–06964 Filed 4–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:33 Apr 04, 2018 Jkt 244001 DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY Comptroller of the Currency [Docket ID OCC–2018–0007] Minority Depository Institutions Advisory Committee Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Department of the Treasury. ACTION: Notice. AGENCY: The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) announces a meeting of the Minority Depository Institutions Advisory Committee (MDIAC). SUMMARY: The OCC MDIAC will hold a public meeting on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, beginning at 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT). ADDRESSES: The OCC will hold the April 24, 2018 meeting of the MDIAC at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20219. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Beverly Cole, Designated Federal Officer and Deputy Comptroller for Compliance Supervision Management, (202) 649– 6862, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, Washington, DC 20219. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: By this notice, the OCC is announcing that the MDIAC will convene a meeting at 8:30 a.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 24, 2018, at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20219. Agenda items will include current topics of interest to the industry. The purpose of the meeting is for the MDIAC to advise the OCC on steps the agency may be able to take to ensure the continued health and viability of minority depository institutions and other issues of concern to minority depository institutions. Members of the public may submit written statements to the MDIAC by any one of the following methods: • Email to: MDIAC@OCC.treas.gov. • Mail to: Beverly Cole, Designated Federal Officer, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, 400 7th Street SW, Washington, DC 20219. The OCC must receive written statements no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 17, 2018. Members of the public who plan to attend the meeting should contact the OCC by 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, to inform the OCC of their desire to attend the meeting and to provide information that will be required to facilitate entry into the meeting. Members of the public may contact the OCC via email at MDIAC@OCC.treas.gov or by telephone at (202) 649–6862. DATES: PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Attendees should provide their full name, email address, and organization, if any. For security reasons, attendees will be subject to security screening procedures and must present a valid government-issued identification to enter the building. Members of the public who are hearing impaired should call (202) 649–5597 (TTY) no later than 5:00 p.m. EDT on Tuesday, April 17, 2018, to arrange auxiliary aids such as sign language interpretation for this meeting. Dated: March 30, 2018. Joseph M. Otting, Comptroller of the Currency. [FR Doc. 2018–06962 Filed 4–4–18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4810–33–P DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY 2018 Data Call Under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Departmental Offices, U.S. Department of the Treasury. ACTION: Data Collection. AGENCY: Pursuant to the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act of 2002 (TRIA),1 as amended, insurers that participate in the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program (TRIP or Program) are directed to submit information for the 2018 TRIP Data Call for the reporting period from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017. Participating insurers are directed to register and report information in a series of forms available on the TRIP website. All insurers writing commercial property and casualty insurance in lines subject to TRIP are required to respond to this data call no later than May 15, 2018, subject to certain exceptions identified in this notice. DATES: Participating insurers must register and submit data no later than May 15, 2018. ADDRESSES: Participating insurers will register through a website that has been established for this data call. After registration, insurers will receive data collection forms through a secure file transfer portal, and they will submit the requested data through the same secure portal. Participating insurers can register for the 2018 TRIP Data Call at https://tripsection111data.com/. Additional information about the data call, including sample data collection forms and instructions, can be found on SUMMARY: 1 Public Law 107–297, 116 Stat. 2322, codified at 15 U.S.C. 6701, note. Because the provisions of TRIA (as amended) appear in a note, instead of particular sections, of the United States Code, the provisions of TRIA are identified by the sections of the law. E:\FR\FM\05APN1.SGM 05APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 66 (Thursday, April 5, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 14716-14718]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-06964]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2018-0141]


Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Stoneridge, 
Inc. Application for an Exemption

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

ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 
requests public comment on an exemption application from Stoneridge, 
Inc. (Stoneridge) to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor 
vehicles (CMVs) with the company's MirrorEyeTM Camera 
Monitor System (CMS) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision 
mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 
(FMCSRs). Stoneridge

[[Page 14717]]

explained that it has developed, tested and manufactured the CMS to 
improve CMV safety by providing driver with an enhanced field of view 
around the cab of the truck. The company states that its 
MirrorEyeTM CMS meets the performance requirements provided 
for conventional mirrors under the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration (NHTSA)'s standards which are cross-referenced by the 
FMCSRs. Stoneridge believes the exemption would maintain a level of 
safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety 
achieved without the exemption because CMS meets or exceeds the 
performance requirements for traditional mirrors.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 7, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2018-0141 using any of the 
following methods:
     Website: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the 
instructions for submitting comments on the Federal electronic docket 
site.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, U.S. Department of 
Transportation, Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 
20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: Ground Floor, Room W12-140, DOT Building, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 
e.t., Monday-Friday, except Federal holidays.
    Instructions: All submissions must include the Agency name and 
docket number for this notice. For detailed instructions on submitting 
comments and additional information on the exemption process, see the 
``Public Participation'' heading below. 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 for further information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments received, go to https://www.regulations.gov or to Room W12-140, 
DOT Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. 
and 5 p.m., 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.
    Public participation: The https://www.regulations.gov website is 
generally available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. You may find 
electronic submission and retrieval help and guidelines under the 
``help'' section of the https://www.regulations.gov website as well as 
the DOT's https://docketsinfo.dot.gov website. If you would like 
notification that we received your comments, please include a self-
addressed, stamped envelope or postcard or print the acknowledgment 
page that appears after submitting comments online.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Luke W. Loy, Vehicle and Roadside 
Operations Division, Office of Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle Safety, MC-
PSV, (202) 366-0676, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    Under Agency 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 with 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)). If the Agency denies the request, it must state the reason 
for doing so. If the decision is to grant the exemption, the notice 
must specify the person or class of persons receiving the exemption and 
the regulatory provision or provisions from which an exemption is 
granted. The notice must 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 381.315(c) and 49 CFR 381.300(b)).

Stoneridge Application for Exemption

    Stoneridge has applied for an exemption from 49 CFR 393.80(a) to 
allow its MirrorEyeTM CMS to be installed as an alternative 
to the two rear-vision mirrors required on CMVs. A copy of the 
application is included in the docket referenced at the beginning of 
this notice.
    Section 393.80(a) of the FMCSRs requires that each bus, truck, and 
truck-tractor be equipped with two rear-vision mirrors, one at each 
side. The mirrors must be positioned to reflect to the driver a view of 
the highway to the rear, and the area along both sides of the CMV. 
Section 393.80(a) cross-references NTHSA's standards for mirrors on 
motor vehicles (49 CFR 571.111, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 
[FMVSS] No. 111). Paragraph S7.1 of FMVSS No. 111 provides requirements 
for mirrors on multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks with a gross 
vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 4,536 kg and less than 11,340 
kg and each bus, other than a school bus, with a GVWR of more than 
4,536 kg. Paragraph S8.1 provides requirements for mirrors on 
multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks with a GVWR of 11,340 kg or 
more.
    The MirrorEyeTM CMS consists of multiple digital cameras 
mounted on the exterior of the CMV and enclosed in an aerodynamic 
package that provides both environmental protection for the cameras and 
a mounting location for optimal visibility. Each camera has video 
processing software that presents a clear, high-definition image to the 
driver by means of a monitor mounted to each A-pillar of the CMV, i.e., 
the structural member between the windshield and door of the cab. The 
company explains that attaching the monitors to the A-pillars avoids 
the creation of incremental blind spots while eliminating the blind 
spots associated with conventional mirrors. Stoneridge states that its 
CMS meets or exceeds the visibility requirements provided in FMVSS No. 
111 based on several factors:
     Greater field of view (FOV) than conventional mirrors--
Mirrors are replaced by wide angle, narrow angle and look-down cameras 
expanding the FOV by an estimated 25%.
     Fail-safe design--The CMS has independent video processing 
of multiple camera images so that in the unlikely event of an 
individual camera failure, the other camera images continue to be 
displayed. This ensures that real-time images are continuously 
displayed without interruption.
     Augmented and enhanced vision quality--The use of high-
definition digital cameras provides for color night vision, low light 
sensitivity and trailer panning capabilities. This assists with night 
driving, operating under other low lighting conditions, and provides 
for glare reduction.

[[Page 14718]]

     Trailer panning--The CMS automatically tracks the end of 
the trailer to keep it in view while the vehicle is moving forward. 
Stoneridge believes this feature could eliminate collisions associated 
with the CMV driver making a right-hand turn, and incidents where the 
CMV strikes a pedestrian or bicyclist while making right hand turns.
    Stoneridge also believes use of its CMS may help to reduce driver 
fatigue by requiring less head movement by drivers compared to the 
number of head movement needed to use conventional mirrors. The company 
claims that use of its CMS provides improved fuel economy because the 
housing for the system is more aerodynamic than the conventional 
mirrors required by Sec.  393.80(a).
    The exemption would apply to all CMV operators driving vehicles 
with the MirrorEyeTM CMS. Stoneridge believes that mounting 
the system as described would maintain a level of safety that is 
equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without 
the exemption.

Request for Comments

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), FMCSA requests 
public comment from all interested persons on Stoneridge's application 
for an exemption from 49 CFR 393.80(a). All comments received before 
the close of business on the comment closing date indicated at the 
beginning of this notice will be considered and will be available for 
examination in the docket at the location listed under the ADDRESSES 
section of this notice. Comments received after the comment closing 
date will be filed in the public docket and will be considered to the 
extent practicable. In addition to late comments, FMCSA will also 
continue to file, in the public docket, relevant information that 
becomes available after the comment closing date. Interested persons 
should continue to examine the public docket for new material.

    Issued on: March 29, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-06964 Filed 4-4-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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