Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 47043-47045 [2019-19263]
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Federal Register / Vol. 84, No. 173 / Friday, September 6, 2019 / Notices
that person has no established medical
history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy
or any other condition which is likely
to cause the loss of consciousness or any
loss of ability to control a CMV.
In addition to the regulations, FMCSA
has published advisory criteria 1 to
assist medical examiners (MEs) in
determining whether drivers with
certain medical conditions are qualified
to operate a CMV in interstate
commerce.
The criteria states that if an individual
has had a sudden episode of a nonepileptic seizure or loss of
consciousness of unknown cause that
did not require anti-seizure medication,
the decision whether that person’s
condition is likely to cause the loss of
consciousness or loss of ability to
control a CMV should be made on an
individual basis by the ME in
consultation with the treating physician.
Before certification is considered, it is
suggested that a 6-month waiting period
elapse from the time of the episode.
Following the waiting period, it is
suggested that the individual have a
complete neurological examination. If
the results of the examination are
negative and anti-seizure medication is
not required, then the driver may be
qualified.
In those individual cases where a
driver has had a seizure or an episode
of loss of consciousness that resulted
from a known medical condition (e.g.,
drug reaction, high temperature, acute
infectious disease, dehydration, or acute
metabolic disturbance), certification
should be deferred until the driver has
recovered fully from that condition, has
no existing residual complications, and
is not taking anti-seizure medication.
Drivers who have a history of
epilepsy/seizures, off anti-seizure
medication and seizure-free for 10 years,
may be qualified to operate a CMV in
interstate commerce. Interstate drivers
with a history of a single unprovoked
seizure may be qualified to drive a CMV
in interstate commerce if seizure-free
and off anti-seizure medication for a 5year period or more.
As a result of MEs misinterpreting
advisory criteria as regulation,
numerous drivers have been prohibited
from operating a CMV in interstate
commerce based on the fact that they
have had one or more seizures and are
taking anti-seizure medication, rather
than an individual analysis of their
circumstances by a qualified ME based
1 These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO
PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA,
section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4,
and 5, which is available on the internet at https://
www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/
CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf.
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16:53 Sep 05, 2019
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on the physical qualification standards
and medical best practices.
On January 15, 2013, FMCSA
announced in a Notice of Final
Disposition titled, ‘‘Qualification of
Drivers; Exemption Applications;
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders,’’ (78 FR
3069), its decision to grant requests from
22 individuals for exemptions from the
regulatory requirement that interstate
CMV drivers have ‘‘no established
medical history or clinical diagnosis of
epilepsy or any other condition which
is likely to cause loss of consciousness
or any loss of ability to control a CMV.’’
Since that time, the Agency has
published additional notices granting
requests from individuals for
exemptions from the regulatory
requirement regarding epilepsy found in
§ 391.41(b)(8).
To be considered for an exemption
from the epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition in § 391.41(b)(8), applicants
must meet the criteria in the 2007
recommendations of the Agency’s
Medical Expert Panel (78 FR 3069).
III. Qualifications of Applicants
Taylor D. Bonvillain
Mr. Bonvillain is a 25 year-old class
R driver in Mississippi. He has a history
of epilepsy and has been seizure free
since 2007. He takes anti-seizure
medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since
2015. His physician states that she is
supportive of Mr. Bonvillain receiving
an exemption.
His physician states that he is
supportive of Mr. Mershon receiving an
exemption.
Brian Ranger
Mr. Ranger is a 31 year-old class A
CDL holder in Nevada. He has a history
of seizure disorder and has been seizure
free since 2009. He takes anti-seizure
medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since
2009. His physician states that he is
supportive of Mr. Ranger receiving an
exemption.
Adam Wilson
Mr. Wilson is a 35 year-old class D
driver in Minnesota. He has a history of
seizure disorder and has been seizure
free since 2004. He takes anti-seizure
medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since
2004. His physician states that he is
supportive of Mr. Wilson receiving an
exemption.
IV. Request for Comments
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315(b), FMCSA requests public
comment from all interested persons on
the exemption petitions described in
this notice. We will consider all
comments received before the close of
business on the closing date indicated
under the DATES section of the notice.
Issued on: August 29, 2019.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019–19265 Filed 9–5–19; 8:45 am]
James Klucas
Mr. Klucas is a 50 year-old class A
CDL holder in Kansas. He has a history
of a epilepsy and has been seizure free
since 1999. He takes anti-seizure
medication with the dosage and
frequency remaining the same since
2017. His physician states that he is
supportive of Mr. Klucas receiving an
exemption.
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
Larry Lintelman
Mr. Lintelman is a 53 year-old class
A CDL holder in Alaska. He has a
history of a seizure disorder and has
been seizure free since 2011. He takes
anti-seizure medication with the dosage
and frequency remaining the same since
1997. His physician states that he is
supportive of Mr. Lintelman receiving
an exemption.
AGENCY:
Charles Mershon
Mr. Mershon is a 30 year-old class D
driver in Minnesota. He has a history of
epilepsy and has been seizure free since
2010. He takes anti-seizure medication
with the dosage and frequency
remaining the same since October 2010.
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47043
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0386]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Hearing
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of renewal of
exemptions; request for comments.
FMCSA announces its
decision to renew exemptions for 2
individuals from the hearing
requirement in the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for
interstate commercial motor vehicle
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable
these hard of hearing and deaf
individuals to continue to operate CMVs
in interstate commerce.
DATES: The exemptions were applicable
on September 12, 2019. The exemptions
expire on September 12, 2021.
SUMMARY:
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Comments must be received on or
before October 7, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No.
FMCSA–2014–0386, using any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
https://www.regulations.gov/
docket?D=FMCSA-2014-0386. 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 5 p.m., ET,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
Holidays.
• Fax: (202) 493–2251.
To avoid duplication, please use only
one of these four methods. See the
‘‘Public Participation’’ portion of the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section for
instructions on submitting comments.
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., ET,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. If you have questions
regarding viewing or submitting
material to the docket, contact Docket
Services, (202) 366–9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
following screen. Choose whether you
are submitting your comment as an
individual or on behalf of a third party
and then submit.
If you submit your comments by mail
or hand delivery, submit them in an
unbound format, no larger than 81⁄2 by
11 inches, suitable for copying and
electronic filing. If you submit
comments by mail and would like to
know that they reached the facility,
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed
postcard or envelope.
FMCSA will consider all comments
and material received during the
comment period.
B. Viewing Documents and Comments
To view comments, as well as any
documents mentioned in this notice as
being available in the docket, go to
https://www.regulations.gov/
docket?D=FMCSA-2014-0386 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., ET,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
I. Public Participation
C. 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.
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please
include the docket number for this
notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0386),
indicate the specific section of this
document to which each comment
applies, and provide a reason for each
suggestion or recommendation. You
may submit your comments and
material online or by fax, mail, or hand
delivery, but please use only one of
these means. FMCSA recommends that
you include your name and a mailing
address, an email address, or a phone
number in the body of your document
so that FMCSA can contact you if there
are questions regarding your
submission.
To submit your comment online, go to
https://www.regulations.gov/
docket?D=FMCSA-2014-0386. Click on
the ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button and type
your comment into the text box on the
II. Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), FMCSA may grant an
exemption from the FMCSRs for no
longer than a 5-year period 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 5-year
period. FMCSA grants medical
exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2year period to align with the maximum
duration of a driver’s medical
certification.
The physical qualification standard
for drivers regarding hearing found in
49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a
person is physically qualified to drive a
CMV if that person first perceives a
forced whispered voice in the better ear
at not less than 5 feet with or without
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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.
This standard was adopted in 1970
and was revised 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 2 individuals listed in this notice
have requested renewal of their
exemptions from the hearing standard
in § 391.41(b)(11), 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 2-year period.
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
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(b), FMCSA
will take immediate steps to revoke the
exemption of a driver.
IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315(b), each of the 2 applicants
has satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
hearing requirement. The 2 drivers in
this notice remain in good standing with
the Agency. In addition, for Commercial
Driver’s License (CDL) holders, the
Commercial Driver’s License
Information System and the Motor
Carrier Management Information System
are searched for crash and violation
data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency
reviews the driving records from the
State Driver’s Licensing Agency. These
factors provide an adequate basis for
predicting each driver’s ability to
continue to safely operate a CMV in
interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA
concludes that extending the exemption
for each of these drivers for a period of
2 years is likely to achieve a level of
safety equal to that existing without the
exemption. As of September 12, 2019,
and in accordance with 49 U.S.C.
31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 2
individuals have satisfied the renewal
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conditions for obtaining an exemption
from the hearing requirement in the
FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:
Eduwin Pineiro (NJ); and Casey
Wayne Patrick (WA).
The drivers were included in docket
number FMCSA–2014–0386. Their
exemptions are applicable as of
September 12, 2019 and will expire on
September 12, 2021.
V. Conditions and Requirements
The exemptions are extended subject
to the following conditions: (1) Each
driver must report any crashes or
accidents as defined in § 390.5; and (2)
report all citations and convictions for
disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR 383
and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA; and (3) each
driver prohibited from operating a
motorcoach or bus with passengers in
interstate commerce. The driver must
also have a copy of the exemption when
driving, for presentation to a duly
authorized Federal, State, or local
enforcement official. In addition, the
exemption does not exempt the
individual from meeting the applicable
CDL testing requirements. Each
exemption will be valid for 2 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 and 31315(b).
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.
VII. Conclusion
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Based upon its evaluation of the 2
exemption applications, FMCSA renews
the exemptions of the aforementioned
drivers from the hearing requirement in
§ 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each
exemption will be valid for two years
unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.
Issued on: August 29, 2019.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019–19263 Filed 9–5–19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
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Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
www.regulations.gov, as described in
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–
14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at
www.dot.gov/privacy.
[Docket No. FMCSA–2019–0011]
II. Background
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Vision
On July 15, 2019, FMCSA published
a notice announcing receipt of
applications from 13 individuals
requesting an exemption from vision
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10)
and requested comments from the
public (84 FR 33801). The public
comment period ended on August 14,
2019, and two comments were received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility
of these applicants and determined that
granting the exemptions to these
individuals would achieve a level of
safety equivalent to, or greater than, the
level that would be achieved by
complying with § 391.41(b)(10).
The physical qualification standard
for drivers regarding vision found in
§ 391.41(b)(10) states that a person is
physically qualified to drive 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.
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of final disposition.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces its
decision to exempt 13 individuals from
the vision requirement in the Federal
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(FMCSRs) to operate a commercial
motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate
commerce. They are unable to meet the
vision requirement in one eye for
various reasons. The exemptions enable
these individuals to operate CMVs in
interstate commerce without meeting
the vision requirement in one eye.
DATES: The exemptions were applicable
on August 15, 2019. The exemptions
expire on August 15, 2019.
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., ET,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. If you have questions
regarding viewing or submitting
material to the docket, contact Docket
Services, (202) 366–9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
SUMMARY:
I. Public Participation
VI. Preemption
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47045
A. Viewing Documents and Comments
To view comments, as well as any
documents mentioned in this notice as
being available in the docket, go to
https://www.regulations.gov/
docket?D=FMCSA-2019-0011 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., ET,
Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays.
B. 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
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III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received two comments in
this proceeding. Linda Domenosky
submitted a comment requesting an
application for an exemption from the
vision requirements in § 391.41(b)(10).
FMCSA has contacted Ms. Domenosky
to provide the necessary application
material.
Vicky Johnson submitted a comment
stating that the Minnesota Department
of Public Safety has no objections to the
decision to grant an exemption to
Rodney E. Mattson.
IV. Basis for Exemption Determination
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), FMCSA may grant an
exemption from the FMCSRs for no
longer than a 5-year period 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 5-year
period. FMCSA grants medical
exemptions from the FMCSRs for a 2year period to align with the maximum
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]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 173 (Friday, September 6, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 47043-47045]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-19263]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0386]
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 exemptions for 2
individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf
individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
DATES: The exemptions were applicable on September 12, 2019. The
exemptions expire on September 12, 2021.
[[Page 47044]]
Comments must be received on or before October 7, 2019.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0386, using any of the
following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2014-0386. 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 5 p.m.,
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods.
See the ``Public Participation'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section for instructions on submitting comments.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief,
Medical Programs Division, 202-366-4001, [email protected], 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.,
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket,
contact Docket Services, (202) 366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Public Participation
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
notice (Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0386), indicate the specific section of
this document to which each comment applies, and provide a reason for
each suggestion or recommendation. You may submit your comments and
material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only
one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a
mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of
your document so that FMCSA can contact you if there are questions
regarding your submission.
To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2014-0386. Click on the ``Comment Now!'' button and type
your comment into the text box on the following screen. Choose whether
you are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a
third party and then submit.
If you submit your comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them
in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11 inches, suitable for
copying and electronic filing. If you submit comments by mail and would
like to know that they reached the facility, please enclose a stamped,
self-addressed postcard or envelope.
FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the
comment period.
B. Viewing Documents and Comments
To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice
as being available in the docket, go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2014-0386 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., ET, Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays.
C. 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(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption
from the FMCSRs for no longer than a 5-year period 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 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the
FMCSRs for a 2-year period to align with the maximum duration of a
driver's medical certification.
The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically
qualified to drive 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.
This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised 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 2 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of
their exemptions from the hearing standard in Sec. 391.41(b)(11), 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 2-year period.
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 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(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the
exemption of a driver.
IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 2
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an
exemption from the hearing requirement. The 2 drivers in this notice
remain in good standing with the Agency. In addition, for Commercial
Driver's License (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver's License
Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information System
are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the
Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver's Licensing
Agency. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each
driver's ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate
commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for
each of these drivers for a period of 2 years is likely to achieve a
level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. As of
September 12, 2019, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), the following 2 individuals have satisfied the renewal
[[Page 47045]]
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:
Eduwin Pineiro (NJ); and Casey Wayne Patrick (WA).
The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2014-0386. Their
exemptions are applicable as of September 12, 2019 and will expire on
September 12, 2021.
V. Conditions and Requirements
The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions:
(1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in
Sec. 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for
disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA; and
(3) each driver prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with
passengers in interstate commerce. The driver must also have a copy of
the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized
Federal, State, or local enforcement official. In addition, the
exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable
CDL testing requirements. Each exemption will be valid for 2 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 and 31315(b).
VI. 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.
VII. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 2 exemption applications, FMCSA
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing
requirement in Sec. 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C.
31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for two years
unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.
Issued on: August 29, 2019.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2019-19263 Filed 9-5-19; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
