Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 75105-75106 [2020-25888]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 24, 2020 / Notices Type of Review: Renewal of an information collection. Background: The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on 04/15/2020 (85 FR 21061). The information collected is used to properly identify airmen to allow the agency to verify their foreign license being used to qualify for a U.S. certificate. The respondents are holders of a foreign license wishing to obtain a U.S. certificate. A person who is applying for a U.S. pilot certificate or rating on the basis of a foreign pilot license must apply for verification of that license at least 90 days before arriving at the designated FAA FSDO where the applicant intends to receive the U.S. pilot certificate. Respondents: Approximately 8,700 foreign applicants for U.S. certificates annually. Frequency: On occasion. Estimated Average Burden per Response: 10 minutes. Estimated Total Annual Burden: 1,450 Hours. Issued in Oklahoma City, OK, on November 19, 2020. Margaret A. Hawkins, Compliance Specialist, Forms Manager, Airmen Certification Branch, AFB–720. [FR Doc. 2020–25938 Filed 11–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–13–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0213; FMCSA– 2015–0323] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for seven individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (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.’’ The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:48 Nov 23, 2020 Jkt 253001 Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates provided below. 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 Dockets Operations, (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DATES: I. Public Participation 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 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 On September 16, 2020, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for seven individuals from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (85 FR 57930). The public comment period ended on October 16. 2020, and one comment was received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that Frm 00134 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by complying with § 391.41(b)(8). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy found in § 391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if 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 in determining whether drivers with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in interstate commerce. III. Discussion of Comments 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-2014-0213 or https:// www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA2015-0323 and choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets 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 Dockets Operations. PO 00000 75105 FMCSA received one comment that was outside the scope of this preceding. IV. Conclusion Based on its evaluation of the seven renewal exemption applications, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in § 391.41(b)(8). 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 9, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following three individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Mark Anderson (NC) Jeremy Bradford (AL) Jeffrey B. Green (CA) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2015–0323. Their exemptions were applicable as of September 9, 2020, and will expire on September 9, 2022. As of September 16, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following four individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Lee H. Anderson (MA) 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. E:\FR\FM\24NON1.SGM 24NON1 75106 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 227 / Tuesday, November 24, 2020 / Notices Gary Combs, Jr. (KY) Roland Mezger (PA) Robert Thomas, Jr. (NC) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2014–0213. Their exemptions were applicable as of September 16, 2020, and will expire on September 16, 2022. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 prior to being 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). Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2020–25888 Filed 11–23–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2020–0169] Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for an Exemption from J.J. Keller & Associates, Inc. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its decision to grant the application of J. J. Keller & Associates, Inc. (J. J. Keller) for a limited five-year exemption to allow its Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) camera to be mounted lower in the windshield on commercial motor vehicles (CMV) than is currently permitted. The Agency has determined that lower placement of the ADAS camera would not have an adverse impact on safety and that adherence to the terms and conditions of the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety provided by the regulation. DATES: This exemption is effective November 24, 2020 and will end November 24, 2025. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Luke W. Loy, Vehicle and Roadside Operations Division, Office of Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle Safety, MC–PSV, jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:48 Nov 23, 2020 Jkt 253001 (202) 366–0676, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590– 0001. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments submitted to notice requesting public comments on the exemption application, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or visit Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 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. The online Federal document management system is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The docket number is listed at the beginning of this notice. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Background FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions from certain parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the application, including any safety analyses that have been conducted. The Agency must also provide an opportunity for public comment on the request. The Agency reviews safety analyses and public comments submitted, and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)) with the reasons for denying or granting the application and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period (up to 5 years) and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). J. J. Keller’s Application for Exemption J. J. Keller applied for an exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) to allow its ADAS cameras to be mounted lower in the windshield than is currently permitted by the Agency’s regulations to optimize the functionality of the camera system. A copy of the application is PO 00000 Frm 00135 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 included in the docket referenced at the beginning of this notice. In its application, J. J. Keller states that the functionality of its camera now includes the ability to provide following distance warnings, lane departure warnings, monitoring of posted speed limit and stop sign abidance, detection of driver drowsiness, and use of cell phones and seat belts and that these features will increase safety. J. J. Keller notes that it piloted the devices’ functionality, and found that there was no significant obstruction to the driver’s normal sightlines to the road ahead, highway signs and signals, or any mirrors. The camera housing is approximately 91.5 mm (3.6 inches) tall by 123.5 mm (4.86 inches) wide, and will be mounted in the approximate center of the windshield with the bottom edge of the camera housing approximately 8 inches below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers. The camera will be mounted outside the driver’s normal sight lines to the road ahead, signs, signals and mirrors. This location will allow for optimal functionality of the safety features supported by the camera. Without the proposed exemption, J. J. Keller states that its clients (1) will not be able to install these devices in an optimal location on the windshield to maximize the effectiveness of the ADAS safety features, and (2) could be fined for violating current regulations. The exemption would apply to all CMVs equipped with J. J. Keller’s ADAS camera mounted on the windshield. J. J. Keller believes that mounting the ADAS camera system as described will maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption. Comments FMCSA published a notice of the application in the Federal Register on August 13, 2020 and asked for public comment (85 FR 49416). The Agency received comments from the National Private Truck Council (NPTC), Wisconsin Motor Carriers Association (WMCA), and 72 individuals. The (NPTC) supported the exemption application, noting that the J. J. Keller ADAS camera is designed to provide such features as: Following distance warnings; lane departure warnings; monitoring of posted speed limits; compliance with stop signs; and detection of driver drowsiness, use of cell phones, seat belts, and food and drink while in the cab. NPTC stated that these features promote beneficial safety practices and are of interest to NPTC E:\FR\FM\24NON1.SGM 24NON1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 227 (Tuesday, November 24, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 75105-75106]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-25888]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0213; FMCSA-2015-0323]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and 
Seizure Disorders

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for seven 
individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (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.'' The exemptions 
enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are 
taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in 
interstate commerce.

DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable on the dates 
stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates provided 
below.

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 Dockets Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation

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-2014-0213 or https://www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2015-0323 and choose the document to review. If you do not have access 
to the internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets 
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 Dockets Operations.

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 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

    On September 16, 2020, FMCSA published a notice announcing its 
decision to renew exemptions for seven individuals from the epilepsy 
and seizure disorders prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) to operate a 
CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (85 
FR 57930). The public comment period ended on October 16. 2020, and one 
comment was received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
determined that renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of 
safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved 
by complying with Sec.  391.41(b)(8).
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding epilepsy 
found in Sec.  391.41(b)(8) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if 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 in determining whether drivers 
with certain medical conditions are qualified to operate a CMV in 
interstate commerce.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO PART 391--
MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, section H. Epilepsy: Sec.  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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received one comment that was outside the scope of this 
preceding.

IV. Conclusion

    Based on its evaluation of the seven renewal exemption 
applications, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following 
drivers from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in Sec.  
391.41(b)(8).
    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 9, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following three individuals have satisfied the 
renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and 
seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Mark Anderson (NC)
Jeremy Bradford (AL)
Jeffrey B. Green (CA)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2015-0323. Their 
exemptions were applicable as of September 9, 2020, and will expire on 
September 9, 2022.
    As of September 16, 2020, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following four individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure 
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Lee H. Anderson (MA)

[[Page 75106]]

Gary Combs, Jr. (KY)
Roland Mezger (PA)
Robert Thomas, Jr. (NC)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2014-0213. Their 
exemptions were applicable as of September 16, 2020, and will expire on 
September 16, 2022.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), each exemption will be valid 
for 2 years from the effective date unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. 
The exemption will be revoked if the following occurs: (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 
prior to being 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).

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2020-25888 Filed 11-23-20; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.