Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 9314-9316 [2023-03045]
Download as PDF
9314
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 29 / Monday, February 13, 2023 / Notices
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 49 U.S.C.
31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments
from the public on the exemption
requests. 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 (Federal Docket Management
System), which can be reviewed at
https://www.transportation.gov/
individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are
searchable by the name of the submitter.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
II. Background
On January 5, 2023, FMCSA
published a notice announcing its
decision to renew exemptions for 25
individuals from the hearing standard in
49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV
in interstate commerce and requested
comments from the public (88 FR 902).
The public comment period ended on
February 6, 2023, and no comments
were received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility
of these applicants and determined that
renewing these exemptions would likely
achieve a level of safety that is
equivalent to, or greater than, the level
that would be achieved by complying
with § 391.41(b)(11).
The physical qualification standard
for drivers regarding hearing found in
§ 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is
physically qualified to drive a CMV if
that person first perceives a forced
whispered voice in the better ear at not
less than 5 feet with or without the use
of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of
an audiometric device, does not have an
average hearing loss in the better ear
greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz,
1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or
without a hearing aid when the
audiometric device is calibrated to
American National Standard (formerly
ASA Standard) Z24.5—1951.
This standard was adopted in 1970
and was revised in 1971 to allow drivers
to be qualified under this standard
while wearing a hearing aid (35 FR
6458, 6463 (Apr. 22, 1970) and 36 FR
12857 (July 8, 1971), respectively).
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:10 Feb 10, 2023
Jkt 259001
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received no comments in this
proceeding.
IV. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 25
renewal exemption applications,
FMCSA announces its decision to
exempt the following drivers from the
hearing requirement in § 391.41 (b)(11).
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 15, 2023, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), the following 16 individuals
have satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for
interstate CMV drivers (88 FR 904):
Michael Arwood (TN)
David Chappelear (TX)
Joshua Cogan (MD)
Sean Dearsman (OH)
Jan Epitacio (CA)
Jerry Jones (TX)
Robert Knapp (MD)
James Laughrey (KS)
Christopher McKenzie (TX)
Kathy Miller (IA)
Ervin Mitchell (TX)
Lesley O’Rorke (IL)
Gerson Ramirez (MT)
William Ranson (AR)
William Tassell (OH)
Michael Wilkes (MA)
The drivers were included in docket
numbers FMCSA–2012–0154, FMCSA–
2014–0103, FMCSA–2014–0106,
FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–2014–
0386, FMCSA–2016–0002, FMCSA–
2017–0057, FMCSA–2017–0058,
FMCSA–2018–0135, FMCSA–2018–
0136, or FMCSA–2019–0111. Their
exemptions were applicable as of
January 15, 2023 and will expire on
January 15, 2025.
As of January 22, 2023, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), the following nine individuals
have satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for
interstate CMV drivers (88 FR 904):
Hassan Abdi (MN)
Gage Burchett (VA)
Jeffrey Daniel (NV)
Gabriel Despanie (LA)
Jaymes Haar (IA)
Andrew Hatch (IA)
MarcKenzie Loriston (FL)
Carlos Sotelo Sanchez (CA)
Matthew Spainhoward (KY)
The drivers were included in docket
numbers FMCSA–2015–0328 or
FMCSA–2020–0028. Their exemptions
PO 00000
Frm 00090
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
were applicable as of January 22, 2023
and will expire on January 22, 2025.
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, 49
U.S.C. chapter 313, or the FMCSRs.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2023–03044 Filed 2–10–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2023–0017]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Hearing
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of applications for
exemption; request for comments.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces receipt of
applications from 10 individuals for an
exemption from the hearing requirement
in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a
commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in
interstate commerce. If granted, the
exemptions would enable these hard of
hearing and deaf individuals to operate
CMVs in interstate commerce.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before March 15, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by the Federal Docket
Management System Docket No.
FMCSA–2023–0017 using any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket
number (FMCSA–2023–0017) in the
keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next,
sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed,
and click on the ‘‘Comment’’ button.
Follow the online instructions for
submitting comments.
• Mail: Dockets Operations; U.S.
Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM
13FEN1
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 29 / Monday, February 13, 2023 / Notices
• Hand Delivery: West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590–0001, 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, FMCSA, DOT, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224,
Washington, DC 20590–0001, (202) 366–
4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov. Office
hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
If you have questions regarding viewing
or submitting material to the docket,
contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366–
9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
I. Public Participation
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please
include the docket number for this
notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2023–0017),
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
www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA2023-0017. Next, sort the results by
‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ choose the first
notice listed, click the ‘‘Comment’’
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.
FMCSA will consider all comments
and material received during the
comment period.
B. Viewing Comments
To view comments go to
www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket
number (FMCSA–2023–0017) in the
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:10 Feb 10, 2023
Jkt 259001
keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next,
sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed,
and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ 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.
C. Privacy Act
In accordance with 49 U.S.C.
31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments
from the public on the exemption
requests. 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 (Federal Docket Management
System), which can be reviewed at
https://www.transportation.gov/
individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are
searchable by the name of the submitter.
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
statutes also allow 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 10 individuals listed in this
notice have requested an exemption
from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR
391.41(b)(11). Accordingly, the Agency
will evaluate the qualifications of each
applicant to determine whether granting
the exemption will achieve the required
level of safety mandated by statute.
The physical qualification standard
for drivers regarding hearing found in
§ 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is
physically qualified to drive a CMV if
that person first perceives a forced
whispered voice in the better ear at not
less than 5 feet with or without the use
of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of
an audiometric device, does not have an
average hearing loss in the better ear
greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000
Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a
hearing aid when the audiometric
PO 00000
Frm 00091
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
9315
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 (Apr. 22, 1970) and 36 FR
12857 (July 8, 1971), respectively).
On February 1, 2013, FMCSA
announced in a Notice of Final
Disposition titled, ‘‘Qualification of
Drivers; Application for Exemptions;
National Association of the Deaf,’’ (78
FR 7479), its decision to grant requests
from 40 individuals for exemptions
from the Agency’s physical qualification
standard concerning hearing for
interstate CMV drivers. Since that time
the Agency has published additional
notices granting requests from hard of
hearing and deaf individuals for
exemptions from the Agency’s physical
qualification standard concerning
hearing for interstate CMV drivers.
III. Qualifications of Applicants
Albert Arzola
Albert Arzola, 69, holds a class A
commercial driver’s license (CDL) in
Virginia.
Alexander Chaykin
Alexander Chaykin, 37, holds a class
E driver’s license in California.
Henry Cisneros
Henry Cisneros, 25, holds a class C
driver’s license in California.
Russell Dukes
Russell Dukes, 31, holds a class D
driver’s license in Ohio.
Michael Lua-Morales
Michael Lua-Morales, 25, holds a
class C driver’s license in Pennsylvania.
James Luthro
James Luthro, 40, holds a class A CDL
in Texas.
Francisco Mejia
Francisco Mejia, 25, holds a class C
driver’s license in Texas.
Joseph Nelson
Joseph Nelson, 41, holds a class R
driver’s license in Colorado.
Amber Porter
Amber Porter, 32, holds a class D
driver’s license in Wisconsin.
Rajbir Shokar
Rajbir Shokar, 27, holds a class C
driver’s license in California.
E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM
13FEN1
9316
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 29 / Monday, February 13, 2023 / Notices
IV. Request for Comments
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315(b), FMCSA requests public
comment from all interested persons on
the exemption petitions described in
this notice. We will consider all
comments received before the close of
business on the closing date indicated
under the DATES section of the notice.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2023–03045 Filed 2–10–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2023–0029]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure
Disorders
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of applications for
exemption; request for comments.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces receipt of
applications from six individuals for an
exemption from the prohibition in the
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons
with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or
any other condition that is likely to
cause a loss of consciousness or any loss
of ability to control a commercial motor
vehicle (CMV) to drive in interstate
commerce. If granted, the exemptions
would enable these individuals who
have had one or more seizures and are
taking anti-seizure medication to
operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
DATES: Comments must be received on
or before March 15, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by the Federal Docket
Management System Docket No.
FMCSA–2023–0029 using any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket
number (FMCSA–2023–0029) in the
keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next,
sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed,
and click on the ‘‘Comment’’ button.
Follow the online instructions for
submitting comments.
• Mail: Dockets Operations; U.S.
Department of Transportation, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140,
Washington, DC 20590–0001.
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
SUMMARY:
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:10 Feb 10, 2023
Jkt 259001
• Hand Delivery: West Building
Ground Floor, Room W12–140, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590–0001 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, FMCSA, DOT, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224,
Washington, DC 20590–0001, (202) 366–
4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov. Office
hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
If you have questions regarding viewing
or submitting material to the docket,
contact Dockets 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–2023–0029),
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
www.regulations.gov/
docket?D=FMCSA–2023–0029. Next,
sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed,
click the ‘‘Comment’’ 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. FMCSA will consider
all comments and material received
during the comment period.
B. Viewing Comments
To view comments go to
www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket
number (FMCSA–2023–0029) in the
PO 00000
Frm 00092
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next,
sort the results by ‘‘Posted (NewerOlder),’’ choose the first notice listed,
and click ‘‘Browse Comments.’’ 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.
C. Privacy Act
In accordance with 49 U.S.C.
31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments
from the public on the exemption
request. 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 (Federal Docket Management
System), which can be reviewed at
https://www.transportation.gov/
individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are
searchable by the name of the submitter.
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
statutes also allow 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 six individuals listed in this
notice have requested an exemption
from the epilepsy and seizure disorders
prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(8).
Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate
the qualifications of each applicant to
determine whether granting the
exemption will achieve the required
level of safety mandated by statute.
The physical qualification standard
for drivers regarding 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.
E:\FR\FM\13FEN1.SGM
13FEN1
Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 29 (Monday, February 13, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 9314-9316]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-03045]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0017]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of applications for exemption; request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 10 individuals
for an exemption from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor
vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would
enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in
interstate commerce.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before March 15, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket
Management System Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0017 using any of the following
methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/,
insert the docket number (FMCSA-2023-0017) in the keyword box and click
``Search.'' Next, sort the results by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose
the first notice listed, and click on the ``Comment'' button. Follow
the online instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Dockets Operations; U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building Ground Floor,
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
[[Page 9315]]
Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001, 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, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Room
W64-224, Washington, DC 20590-0001, (202) 366-4001,
[email protected]. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions
regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Dockets
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-2023-0017), 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 www.regulations.gov/docket?D=FMCSA-2023-0017. Next, sort the results by ``Posted (Newer-
Older),'' choose the first notice listed, click the ``Comment'' 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.
FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the
comment period.
B. Viewing Comments
To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket
number (FMCSA-2023-0017) in the keyword box and click ``Search.'' Next,
sort the results by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose the first notice
listed, and click ``Browse Comments.'' 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.
C. Privacy Act
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments
from the public on the exemption requests. 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 (Federal Docket Management System), which can be
reviewed at https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/privacy/privacy-act-system-records-notices, the comments are searchable by the name of
the submitter.
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 statutes also allow 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 10 individuals listed in this notice have requested an
exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11).
Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each
applicant to determine whether granting the exemption will achieve the
required level of safety mandated by statute.
The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing
found in Sec. 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically
qualified to drive a CMV if that person first perceives a forced
whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or
without the use of a hearing aid or, if tested by use of an audiometric
device, does not have an average hearing loss in the better ear greater
than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a
hearing aid when the audiometric device is calibrated to American
National Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5--1951.
This standard was adopted in 1970 and was revised in 1971 to allow
drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a hearing
aid, (35 FR 6458, 6463 (Apr. 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 8, 1971),
respectively).
On February 1, 2013, FMCSA announced in a Notice of Final
Disposition titled, ``Qualification of Drivers; Application for
Exemptions; National Association of the Deaf,'' (78 FR 7479), its
decision to grant requests from 40 individuals for exemptions from the
Agency's physical qualification standard concerning hearing for
interstate CMV drivers. Since that time the Agency has published
additional notices granting requests from hard of hearing and deaf
individuals for exemptions from the Agency's physical qualification
standard concerning hearing for interstate CMV drivers.
III. Qualifications of Applicants
Albert Arzola
Albert Arzola, 69, holds a class A commercial driver's license
(CDL) in Virginia.
Alexander Chaykin
Alexander Chaykin, 37, holds a class E driver's license in
California.
Henry Cisneros
Henry Cisneros, 25, holds a class C driver's license in California.
Russell Dukes
Russell Dukes, 31, holds a class D driver's license in Ohio.
Michael Lua-Morales
Michael Lua-Morales, 25, holds a class C driver's license in
Pennsylvania.
James Luthro
James Luthro, 40, holds a class A CDL in Texas.
Francisco Mejia
Francisco Mejia, 25, holds a class C driver's license in Texas.
Joseph Nelson
Joseph Nelson, 41, holds a class R driver's license in Colorado.
Amber Porter
Amber Porter, 32, holds a class D driver's license in Wisconsin.
Rajbir Shokar
Rajbir Shokar, 27, holds a class C driver's license in California.
[[Page 9316]]
IV. Request for Comments
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA requests
public comment from all interested persons on the exemption petitions
described in this notice. We will consider all comments received before
the close of business on the closing date indicated under the DATES
section of the notice.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2023-03045 Filed 2-10-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P