Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 19572-19573 [2020-07284]

Download as PDF khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 19572 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 67 / Tuesday, April 7, 2020 / Notices requirement for training providers to submit training certification information to the TPR for each individual drivertrainee that completes training. The compliance date for the ‘‘Training Provider Registration’’ information collection activities was proposed to have remained February 7, 2020. Under the February 4, 2020, interim final rule, FMCSA is now delaying the entire ELDT final rule, as opposed to a partial delay as originally proposed, due to delays in implementation of the TPR that were not foreseen when the proposed rule was published. Under this revision, the existing entry-level driver training requirements and information collection activities under 49 CFR 380 Subpart E that will continue to be in force for the first two years, 2020 and 2021, of the three-year period covered by this ICR are treated as a separate information collection (IC), IC–1. The ‘‘Training Provider Registration’’ information collection activities, and the ‘‘Driver Training Certification Information’’ information collection activities, that go into effect as of February 7, 2022, under the new ELDT requirements are also treated as separate information collections, IC–2 and IC–3, respectively. On July 3, 2019, FMCSA published a notice in the Federal Register allowing for a 60-day comment period on this ICR. The Agency received one comment to that notice. The Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) stated their support for OMB to approve the new collections under what are now IC– 2 (Training Provider Registration) and IC–3 (Driver Training Certification Information). CVTA also sought clarification as to why there were separate ICs presented in the 60-day notice for the ‘‘Training Provider Registration’’ function and the ‘‘Driver Training Certification Information’’ function. The Agency clarifies that it presented those two activities as separate ICs in order to improve the clarity and transparency of the analysis. Guidance from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at OMB regarding the preparation of ICRs and Supporting Statements recommends that each form or collection instrument have a separate IC within a given ICR, in order to provide a more meaningful and easily understood estimate of the burden associated with each form or collection. OIRA also recommends that agencies present separate ICs within an ICR if the Agency believes that doing so would be informative. Public Comments Invited FMCSA requests that you comment on any aspect of this information VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:22 Apr 06, 2020 Jkt 250001 collection, including: (1) Whether the proposed collection is necessary for the performance of FMCSA’s functions; (2) the accuracy of the estimated burden; (3) ways for FMCSA to enhance the quality, usefulness, and clarity of the collected information; and (4) ways that the burden could be minimized without reducing the quality of the collected information. The agency will summarize or include your comments in the request for OMB’s clearance of this information collection. Issued under the authority of 49 CFR 1.87. Kenneth Riddle, Acting Associate Administrator for Registration and Research. [FR Doc. 2020–07221 Filed 4–6–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P • 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 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 Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0024] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 11 individuals for an exemption from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 7, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0024 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/ docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0024. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Operations; 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. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00151 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 A. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0024), 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-2020-0024. 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 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-2020-0024 and E:\FR\FM\07APN1.SGM 07APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 67 / Tuesday, April 7, 2020 / Notices choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Operations 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 khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES 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.transportation.gov/privacy. On February 1, 2013, FMCSA announced in a Notice of Final Disposition titled, ‘‘Qualification of Drivers; Application for Exemptions; National Association of the Deaf,’’ (78 FR 7479), its decision to grant requests from 40 individuals for exemptions from the Agency’s physical qualification standard concerning hearing for interstate CMV drivers. Since that time the Agency has published additional notices granting requests from hard of hearing and deaf individuals for exemptions from the Agency’s physical qualification standard concerning hearing for interstate CMV drivers. III. Qualifications of Applicants Dustin Bemesderfer Mr. Bemesderfer, 32, holds a class E license in Florida. 19573 business on the closing date indicated under the DATES section of the notice. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–07284 Filed 4–6–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0124; FMCSA– 2013–0125; FMCSA–2013–0126; FMCSA– 2014–0104; FMCSA–2015–0327; FMCSA– 2016–0003; FMCSA–2017–0057; FMCSA– 2017–0058] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing II. Background Jason Burkholder 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 11 individuals listed in this notice have requested an exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each applicant to determine whether granting the exemption will achieve the required level of safety mandated by statute. The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in § 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). Mr. Burkholder, 44, holds a class M license in Indiana. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. James Gray SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:22 Apr 06, 2020 Jkt 250001 AGENCY: Mr. Lang, 31, holds a class C license in Texas. FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 13 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 March 27, 2020. The exemptions expire on March 27, 2022. Comments must be received on or before May 7, 2020. Jesus Perez ADDRESSES: Mr. Gray, 29, holds a class D license in Ohio. Richard Hadlock Mr. Hadlock, 44, holds a class D in Illinois. Matthew Honkanen Mr. Honkanen, 38, holds a class D license in Minnesota. Larry Lang Mr. Perez, 37, holds a class D license in Illinois. Jonathan Ramirez Mr. Ramirez, 30, holds a class C license in California. Brandon St. George Mr. St. George, 31, holds a class CM license in Texas. Yury Volkov Mr. Volkov, 34, holds a class C license in Pennsylvania. Aldale Williamson Mr. Williamson, 27, holds a class D license in Washington, DC. 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 PO 00000 Frm 00152 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0124, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0125, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0126, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0104, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0327, Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0003, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0057, or Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0058 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Docket Operations; 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. E:\FR\FM\07APN1.SGM 07APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 67 (Tuesday, April 7, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19572-19573]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-07284]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2020-0024]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

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

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 11 individuals 
for an exemption from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor 
vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would 
enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before May 7, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2020-0024 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2020-0024. Follow the online 
instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Operations; 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 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 
Operations, (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-2020-0024), 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-2020-0024. 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-2020-0024 and

[[Page 19573]]

choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the 
internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket 
Operations 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.transportation.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 11 individuals listed in this notice have requested an 
exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). 
Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each 
applicant to determine whether granting the exemption will achieve the 
required level of safety mandated by statute.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in Sec.  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).
    On February 1, 2013, FMCSA announced in a Notice of Final 
Disposition titled, ``Qualification of Drivers; Application for 
Exemptions; National Association of the Deaf,'' (78 FR 7479), its 
decision to grant requests from 40 individuals for exemptions from the 
Agency's physical qualification standard concerning hearing for 
interstate CMV drivers. Since that time the Agency has published 
additional notices granting requests from hard of hearing and deaf 
individuals for exemptions from the Agency's physical qualification 
standard concerning hearing for interstate CMV drivers.

III. Qualifications of Applicants

Dustin Bemesderfer

    Mr. Bemesderfer, 32, holds a class E license in Florida.

Jason Burkholder

    Mr. Burkholder, 44, holds a class M license in Indiana.

James Gray

    Mr. Gray, 29, holds a class D license in Ohio.

Richard Hadlock

    Mr. Hadlock, 44, holds a class D in Illinois.

Matthew Honkanen

    Mr. Honkanen, 38, holds a class D license in Minnesota.

Larry Lang

    Mr. Lang, 31, holds a class C license in Texas.

Jesus Perez

    Mr. Perez, 37, holds a class D license in Illinois.

Jonathan Ramirez

    Mr. Ramirez, 30, holds a class C license in California.

Brandon St. George

    Mr. St. George, 31, holds a class CM license in Texas.

Yury Volkov

    Mr. Volkov, 34, holds a class C license in Pennsylvania.

Aldale Williamson

    Mr. Williamson, 27, holds a class D license in Washington, DC.

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.

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-07284 Filed 4-6-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P

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