Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders, 11049-11050 [2021-03698]

Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 23, 2021 / Notices ophthalmologist stated, ‘‘In my medical opinion, I believe Mr. White has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.’’ Mr. White reported that he has driven straight trucks for 4 years, accumulating 160,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 15 years, accumulating 780,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Texas. His driving record for the last three years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV. 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 and material 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. 2021–03700 Filed 2–22–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2006–25854; FMCSA–2010–0203; FMCSA–2015–0323; FMCSA–2016–0007; FMCSA–2016–0008; FMCSA–2018–0051; FMCSA–2018–0052; FMCSA–2018–0056] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 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 SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:36 Feb 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 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: 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. Insert the docket number, FMCSA–2006–25854, FMCSA–2010–0203, FMCSA–2015– 0323, FMCSA–2016–0007, FMCSA– 2016–0008, FMCSA–2018–0051, FMCSA–2018–0052, or FMCSA–2018– 0056, 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 Dockets Operations in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001, 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 January 6, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 10 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 (86 FR 701). The public comment period ended on February 5, 2021, and no comments were received. PO 00000 Frm 00131 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 11049 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 § 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 FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. IV. Conclusion Based on its evaluation of the 10 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 January and are discussed below. As of January 1, 2021, 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 epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (86 FR 701): Scott D. Engelman (PA) Scott I. Habeck (SD) Todd W. Hines (OH) Jordan M. Hyster (OH) Everett J. Letourneau (ND) Scott A. Ready, Sr. (WI) Douglas J. Simms, Jr. (NC) Ronald E. Wagner (OH) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2015–0323, FMCSA– 2016–0007, FMCSA–2016–0008, FMCSA–2018–0051, FMCSA–2018– 0052, and FMCSA–2018–0056. Their exemptions were applicable as of January 1, 2021, and will expire on January 1, 2023. 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\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1 11050 Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 34 / Tuesday, February 23, 2021 / Notices As of January 15, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following two individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers: Brian Porter (PA); and Michael W. Thomas (KS) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2006–25854 and FMCSA–2010–0203. Their exemptions were applicable as of January 15, 2021, and will expire on January 15, 2023. 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. 2021–03698 Filed 2–22–21; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2019–0174] Commercial Driver’s License Standards: Wilson Logistics Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant of application for exemption. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant Wilson Logistics an exemption from the regulation that requires a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder operating a commercial moto vehicle (CMV) to be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements, in the passenger seat. Wilson Logistics requested an exemption to allow CLP holders who have passed the CDL skills test, but have not yet obtained the CDL document from their State of domicile, to drive a CMV without having a CDL holder in the passenger seat. FMCSA has analyzed the exemption application and the public comments and has determined that the exemption, subject to the terms SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 18:36 Feb 22, 2021 Jkt 253001 and conditions imposed, will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption. DATES: This exemption is effective February 23, 2021 and expires February 23, 2026. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Richard Clemente, Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards, FMCSA; Telephone: (202) 366–4225. Email: MCPSD@dot.gov. If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: I. Public Participation Viewing Comments and Documents To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, FMCSA–2019–0174, 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 in person by visiting the 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., e.t., 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. II. Legal Basis FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b) 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, PO 00000 Frm 00132 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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)). III. Request for Exemption The Agency’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) regulations in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) require that a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder always be accompanied by the holder of a valid CDL who has the proper CDL group and endorsement(s) necessary to operate the commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The CDL holder must be physically present in the front seat of the vehicle next to the CLP holder or, in the case of a passenger vehicle, directly behind or in the first row behind the driver and must have the CLP holder under observation and direct supervision. Wilson Logistics is a nationwide motor carrier with a fleet of over 700 CMVs seeking an exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) under which a CDL holder would remain in the vehicle— but not in the front seat—while a CLP holder who has passed the CDL skills test is driving. The carrier believes this would allow the CLP holder to participate more independently in a revenue-generating trip to obtain the CDL document from the State of domicile. Wilson Logistics advised that, if granted, 400–500 CLP holders would operate under the terms of the exemption each year. Wilson Logistics states that 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) creates undue burdens on the company and its CLP holders. The carrier noted that, previously: It was not uncommon for States to issue temporary CDLs to CLP holders for the return trip to collect the CDL document from their State of domicile. During that time, CDL holders were neither required to log themselves ‘on duty’ when supervising the CLP holder who had a temporary CDL, nor did they always remain in the passenger seat of the CMV. Under that scenario, the productivity of the CMV, the earnings capacity of the CDL and CLP holders, and the logistics of the motor carrier’s freight network were all protected. Currently carriers must assign a second CDL holder to the vehicle to accomplish the on-duty work that was previously performed by the CLP holder who had a temporary CDL. Wilson Logistics contends that compliance with the CDL rule leaves it with the following two options: (1) Secure some mode of public transportation from the State of training to the State of domicile to allow the CLP holder to pick up his/her CDL document E:\FR\FM\23FEN1.SGM 23FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 34 (Tuesday, February 23, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 11049-11050]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-03698]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2006-25854; FMCSA-2010-0203; FMCSA-2015-0323; FMCSA-
2016-0007; FMCSA-2016-0008; FMCSA-2018-0051; FMCSA-2018-0052; FMCSA-
2018-0056]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and 
Seizure Disorders

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 
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. 
Insert the docket number, FMCSA-2006-25854, FMCSA-2010-0203, FMCSA-
2015-0323, FMCSA-2016-0007, FMCSA-2016-0008, FMCSA-2018-0051, FMCSA-
2018-0052, or FMCSA-2018-0056, 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 Dockets Operations in Room W12-
140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey 
Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, 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 January 6, 2021, FMCSA published a notice announcing its 
decision to renew exemptions for 10 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 (86 FR 
701). The public comment period ended on February 5, 2021, and no 
comments were 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 no comments in this proceeding.

IV. Conclusion

    Based on its evaluation of the 10 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 January 
and are discussed below.
    As of January 1, 2021, 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 epilepsy and 
seizure disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers 
(86 FR 701):

Scott D. Engelman (PA)
Scott I. Habeck (SD)
Todd W. Hines (OH)
Jordan M. Hyster (OH)
Everett J. Letourneau (ND)
Scott A. Ready, Sr. (WI)
Douglas J. Simms, Jr. (NC)
Ronald E. Wagner (OH)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2015-0323, FMCSA-
2016-0007, FMCSA-2016-0008, FMCSA-2018-0051, FMCSA-2018-0052, and 
FMCSA-2018-0056. Their exemptions were applicable as of January 1, 
2021, and will expire on January 1, 2023.

[[Page 11050]]

    As of January 15, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 
and 31315(b), the following two individuals have satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the epilepsy and seizure 
disorders prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers:

Brian Porter (PA); and Michael W. Thomas (KS)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2006-25854 and 
FMCSA-2010-0203. Their exemptions were applicable as of January 15, 
2021, and will expire on January 15, 2023.
    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. 2021-03698 Filed 2-22-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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