Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 26780-26781 [2020-09551]

Download as PDF 26780 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 87 / Tuesday, May 5, 2020 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0123; FMCSA– 2013–0124; FMCSA–2013–0125; FMCSA– 2016–0003; FMCSA–2017–0059] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: I. Public Participation FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for seven 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 May 19, 2020. The exemptions expire on May 19, 2022. Comments must be received on or before June 4, 2020. SUMMARY: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0123, FMCSA–2013– 0124, FMCSA–2013–0125, FMCSA– 2016–0003, or FMCSA–2017–0059 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting comments. • Mail: Send comments to 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: Bring comments to Docket Operations, 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. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366–9826 before visiting Docket Operations. • 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, khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES ADDRESSES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:16 May 04, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: A. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0123, FMCSA–2013–0124, FMCSA–2013– 0125, FMCSA–2016–0003, or FMCSA– 2017–0059), 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, put the docket number, FMCSA–2012–0123, FMCSA–2013–0124, FMCSA–2013– 0125, FMCSA–2016–0003, or FMCSA– 2017–0059, in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ When the new screen appears, 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. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2012–0123, FMCSA–2013–0124, FMCSA–2013– 0125, FMCSA–2016–0003, or FMCSA– 2017–0059, in the keyword box, and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click the ‘‘Open PO 00000 Frm 00125 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 Docket Folder’’ button 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 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. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366–9317 or (202) 366–9826 before visiting Docket Operations. 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 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 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 seven 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, E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM 05MYN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 87 / Tuesday, May 5, 2020 / Notices 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. khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the seven applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement. The seven 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 May 19, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Forrest Carroll (OH) Bryan MacFarlane (OH) Michael Murrah (GA) Michael Paasch (NE) Kelly Pulvermacher (WI) Brian Walthall (KS) Joshua Chad Weaver (GA) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2012–0123, FMCSA– 2013–0124, FMCSA–2013–0125, FMCSA–2016–0003, and FMCSA–2017– 0059. Their exemptions are applicable as of May 19, 2020, and will expire on May 19, 2022. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:16 May 04, 2020 Jkt 250001 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(e) 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 seven 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. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–09551 Filed 5–4–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Railroad Administration [Docket Number FRA–2020–0034] Petition for Waiver of Compliance Under part 211 of title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), this document provides the public notice that on April 20, 2020, Ohio River Scenic Railway (ORSR) petitioned the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) for a waiver of compliance from certain provisions of the Federal railroad safety regulations contained at 49 CFR part PO 00000 Frm 00126 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 26781 240, Qualifications and Certification of Locomotive Engineers. FRA assigned the petition Docket Number FRA–2020– 0034. Specifically, ORSR requests a waiver from the requirements of 49 CFR 240.201(d), Implementation, which states that a railroad can only permit qualified locomotive engineers to operate locomotives. ORSR seeks to operate an ‘‘Engineer-for-an-Hour’’ charter program and offer non-certified individuals the opportunity to operate a diesel-electric locomotive under the direct supervision of a certified and qualified locomotive engineer. ORSR states the waiver would affect only persons who participate in the program and restrictions would be placed on this operation. The waiver would cover operations on a 2.6-mile segment of main track between milepost (MP) 3.4 and MP 6.0. There are no public grade crossings or otherwise hazardous or unusual conditions on this segment of track. Through a series of license agreements, ORSR will utilize the majority of a 22-mile railroad line in Southern Indiana, owned and operated by the Perry County Port Authority (PCPA) d/b/a Hoosier Southern Railroad (HOS), to provide passenger excursion railroad service across Perry and Spencer Counties in Indiana. ORSR’s normal excursion operations would occur between MP 2.3 and MP 22.2 on weekends, operating under yard limits not exceeding 10 miles per hour. HOS freight shipments only occur on the line on weekdays, except for special circumstances on the weekends. ORSR schedules must always be coordinated with and approved by the PCPA and HOS to ensure that there are no conflicting train movements. A copy of the petition, as well as any written communications concerning the petition, is available for review online at www.regulations.gov and in person at the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Docket Operations Facility, 1200 New Jersey Ave. SE, W12–140, Washington, DC 20590. The Docket Operations Facility is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays. Interested parties are invited to participate in these proceedings by submitting written views, data, or comments. FRA does not anticipate scheduling a public hearing in connection with these proceedings since the facts do not appear to warrant a hearing. If any interested parties desire an opportunity for oral comment and a public hearing, they should notify FRA, in writing, before the end of the E:\FR\FM\05MYN1.SGM 05MYN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 87 (Tuesday, May 5, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 26780-26781]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-09551]



[[Page 26780]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0123; FMCSA-2013-0124; FMCSA-2013-0125; FMCSA-
2016-0003; FMCSA-2017-0059]


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 seven 
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 May 19, 2020. The exemptions 
expire on May 19, 2022. Comments must be received on or before June 4, 
2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0123, FMCSA-2013-0124, 
FMCSA-2013-0125, FMCSA-2016-0003, or FMCSA-2017-0059 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Send comments to 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: Bring comments to Docket Operations, 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. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 
366-9317 or (202) 366-9826 before visiting Docket Operations.
     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 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-2012-0123, FMCSA-2013-0124, FMCSA-2013-0125, 
FMCSA-2016-0003, or FMCSA-2017-0059), 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, 
put the docket number, FMCSA-2012-0123, FMCSA-2013-0124, FMCSA-2013-
0125, FMCSA-2016-0003, or FMCSA-2017-0059, in the keyword box, and 
click ``Search.'' When the new screen appears, 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. 
Insert the docket number, FMCSA-2012-0123, FMCSA-2013-0124, FMCSA-2013-
0125, FMCSA-2016-0003, or FMCSA-2017-0059, in the keyword box, and 
click ``Search.'' Next, click the ``Open Docket Folder'' button 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 
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. To 
be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202) 366-9317 or 
(202) 366-9826 before visiting Docket Operations.

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 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 seven 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,

[[Page 26781]]

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 
seven applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the hearing requirement. The seven 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 May 19, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b), the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Forrest Carroll (OH)
Bryan MacFarlane (OH)
Michael Murrah (GA)
Michael Paasch (NE)
Kelly Pulvermacher (WI)
Brian Walthall (KS)
Joshua Chad Weaver (GA)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2012-0123, FMCSA-
2013-0124, FMCSA-2013-0125, FMCSA-2016-0003, and FMCSA-2017-0059. Their 
exemptions are applicable as of May 19, 2020, and will expire on May 
19, 2022.

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(e) 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 seven 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.

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-09551 Filed 5-4-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


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