Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 54626-54628 [2020-19357]

Download as PDF 54626 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 2, 2020 / Notices and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable 2-year period. September 6, 2020, and will expire on September 6, 2022. III. Request for Comments V. Conditions and Requirements 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. 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 Each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was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). jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the eight applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement. The eight 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. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of September and are discussed below. As of September 6, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following eight individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Weston Arthurs (CA) Mathias Conway (MI) Charles DePriest (TX) Agustin Hernandez (TX) Robert Hilber (TX) Richard Hoots (AR) D’Nielle Smith (OH) Michael Sweet (GA) The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA–2014–0106, FMCSA– 2016–0002, or FMCSA–2017–0061. Their exemptions are applicable as of VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:33 Sep 01, 2020 Jkt 250001 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 eight 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. 2020–19358 Filed 9–1–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P PO 00000 Frm 00095 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0123; FMCSA– 2015–0326; FMCSA–2015–0328; FMCSA– 2015–0329; FMCSA–2017–0057; FMCSA– 2017–0059; FMCSA–2017–0060; FMCSA– 2017–0061] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 18 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 August 22, 2020. The exemptions expire on August 22, 2022. Comments must be received on or before October 2, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0123, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0326, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0328, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0329, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0057, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0059, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0060, or Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0061 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. • 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 SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\02SEN1.SGM 02SEN1 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 2, 2020 / Notices 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 Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 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–2015–0326, FMCSA–2015– 0328, FMCSA–2015–0329, FMCSA– 2017–0057, FMCSA–2017–0059, FMCSA–2017–0060, and FMCSA–2017– 0061), 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–2015–0326, FMCSA–2015– 0328, FMCSA–2015–0329, FMCSA– 2017–0057, FMCSA–2017–0059, FMCSA–2017–0060, or FMCSA–2017– 0061, 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:33 Sep 01, 2020 Jkt 250001 https://www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2012–0123, FMCSA–2015–0326, FMCSA–2015– 0328, FMCSA–2015–0329, FMCSA– 2017–0057, FMCSA–2017–0059, FMCSA–2017–0060, or FMCSA–2017– 0061, 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 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 PO 00000 Frm 00096 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54627 while wearing a hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 1971). The 18 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 18 applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement. The 18 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 August 22, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 18 individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Mataio Brown (MS) Barry Carpenter (SD) Lyle Eash (VA) Clay Fitzpatrick (ID) Berenice Martinez (TX) Michael McCarthy (MN) Steven Moorehead (KY) Gary Nagel (MN) E:\FR\FM\02SEN1.SGM 02SEN1 54628 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 171 / Wednesday, September 2, 2020 / Notices Christopher Poole (OH) Ricardo Porras-Payan (TX) James Quinn (TN) Willine Smith (GA) Brandon Soto (MO) Dennis Stotts (OH) Michael Tayman (ME) Carlos Torres (FL) Paul Wentworth (WA) Joseph Woodle (KY) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2012–0123, FMCSA– 2015–0326, FMCSA–2015–0328, FMCSA–2015–0329, FMCSA–2017– 0057, FMCSA–2017–0059, FMCSA– 2017–0060, or FMCSA–2017–0061. Their exemptions were applicable as of August 22, 2020, and will expire on August 22, 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 § 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. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES VII. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 18 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:33 Sep 01, 2020 Jkt 250001 exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–19357 Filed 9–1–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2000–7006; FMCSA– 2002–11714; FMCSA–2002–12294; FMCSA– 2004–17984; FMCSA–2004–18885; FMCSA– 2005–21711; FMCSA–2005–22727; FMCSA– 2006–24783; FMCSA–2008–0021; FMCSA– 2008–0106; FMCSA–2008–0231; FMCSA– 2008–0266; FMCSA–2010–0082; FMCSA– 2010–0114; FMCSA–2010–0161; FMCSA– 2010–0187; FMCSA–2011–0380; FMCSA– 2012–0104; FMCSA–2012–0159; FMCSA– 2012–0215; FMCSA–2013–0167; FMCSA– 2013–0174; FMCSA–2014–0002; FMCSA– 2014–0004; FMCSA–2014–0006; FMCSA– 2014–0007; FMCSA–2014–0010; FMCSA– 2014–0011; FMCSA–2014–0296; FMCSA– 2015–0070; FMCSA–2015–0345; FMCSA– 2015–0347; FMCSA–2015–0350; FMCSA– 2016–0024; FMCSA–2016–0028; FMCSA– 2016–0029; FMCSA–2016–0206; FMCSA– 2018–0008; FMCSA–2018–0011; FMCSA– 2018–0012; FMCSA–2018–0017] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 55 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision requirements in one eye. DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions are applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. Comments must be received on or before October 2, 2020. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA–2000–7006, Docket No. FMCSA–2002–11714, Docket No. FMCSA–2002–12294, Docket No. FMCSA–2004–17984, Docket No. FMCSA–2004–18885, Docket No. FMCSA–2005–21711, Docket No. FMCSA–2005–22727, Docket No. FMCSA–2006–24783, Docket No. FMCSA–2008–0021, Docket No. SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00097 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 FMCSA–2008–0106, Docket No. FMCSA–2008–0231, Docket No. FMCSA–2008–0266, Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0082, Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0114, Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0161, Docket No. FMCSA–2010–0187, Docket No. FMCSA–2011–0380, Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0104, Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0159, Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0215, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0167, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0174, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0002, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0004, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0006, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0007, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0010, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0011, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0296, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0070, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0345, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0347, Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0350, Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0024, Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0028, Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0029, Docket No. FMCSA–2016–0206, Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0008, Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0011, Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0012, or Docket No. FMCSA–2018–0017 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. • 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 Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: E:\FR\FM\02SEN1.SGM 02SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 171 (Wednesday, September 2, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54626-54628]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-19357]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0123; FMCSA-2015-0326; FMCSA-2015-0328; FMCSA-
2015-0329; FMCSA-2017-0057; FMCSA-2017-0059; FMCSA-2017-0060; FMCSA-
2017-0061]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 18 
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 August 22, 2020. The 
exemptions expire on August 22, 2022. Comments must be received on or 
before October 2, 2020.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0123, Docket No. FMCSA-
2015-0326, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0328, Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0329, 
Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0057, Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0059, Docket No. 
FMCSA-2017-0060, or Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0061 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.
     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

[[Page 54627]]

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-2015-0326, FMCSA-2015-0328, 
FMCSA-2015-0329, FMCSA-2017-0057, FMCSA-2017-0059, FMCSA-2017-0060, and 
FMCSA-2017-0061), 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-2015-0326, FMCSA-2015-
0328, FMCSA-2015-0329, FMCSA-2017-0057, FMCSA-2017-0059, FMCSA-2017-
0060, or FMCSA-2017-0061, 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-2015-0326, FMCSA-2015-
0328, FMCSA-2015-0329, FMCSA-2017-0057, FMCSA-2017-0059, FMCSA-2017-
0060, or FMCSA-2017-0061, 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 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 18 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 18 
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the hearing requirement. The 18 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 August 22, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following 18 individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Mataio Brown (MS)
Barry Carpenter (SD)
Lyle Eash (VA)
Clay Fitzpatrick (ID)
Berenice Martinez (TX)
Michael McCarthy (MN)
Steven Moorehead (KY)
Gary Nagel (MN)

[[Page 54628]]

Christopher Poole (OH)
Ricardo Porras-Payan (TX)
James Quinn (TN)
Willine Smith (GA)
Brandon Soto (MO)
Dennis Stotts (OH)
Michael Tayman (ME)
Carlos Torres (FL)
Paul Wentworth (WA)
Joseph Woodle (KY)
    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2012-0123, FMCSA-
2015-0326, FMCSA-2015-0328, FMCSA-2015-0329, FMCSA-2017-0057, FMCSA-
2017-0059, FMCSA-2017-0060, or FMCSA-2017-0061. Their exemptions were 
applicable as of August 22, 2020, and will expire on August 22, 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 18 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. 2020-19357 Filed 9-1-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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