Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 43644-43646 [2023-14464]
Download as PDF
43644
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 130 / Monday, July 10, 2023 / Notices
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
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.
II. Background
On May 18, 2023, FMCSA published
a Federal Register notice (88 FR 31842)
announcing receipt of one application
from an individual treated with an ICD
and requested comments from the
public. The individual requested an
exemption from 49 CFR 391.41(b)(4)
which prohibits operation of a CMV in
interstate commerce by persons with a
current clinical diagnosis of myocardial
infarction, angina pectoris, coronary
insufficiency, thrombosis, or any other
cardiovascular disease of a variety
known to be accompanied by syncope,
dyspnea, collapse, or congestive heart
failure. The public comment period
ended on June 20, 2023, and no
comments were received.
FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility
of the applicant and concluded that
granting an exemption would not
provide a level of safety that would be
equivalent to, or greater than, the level
of safety that would be obtained by
complying with § 391.41(b)(4). A
summary of the applicant’s medical
history related to their ICD exemption
request was discussed in the May 18,
2023, Federal Register notice (88 FR
31842) requesting comments and will
not be repeated here.
The Agency’s decision regarding this
exemption application is based on
information from the Cardiovascular
Medical Advisory Criteria, an April
2007 evidence report titled
‘‘Cardiovascular Disease and
Commercial Motor Vehicle Driver
Safety,’’ 1 and a December 2014 focused
research report titled ‘‘Implantable
Cardioverter Defibrillators and the
Impact of a Shock in a Patient When
Deployed.’’ Copies of these reports are
included in the docket.
FMCSA has published advisory
criteria to assist medical examiners in
determining whether drivers with
certain medical conditions are qualified
to operate a CMV in interstate
1 The report is available on the internet at https://
rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/16462.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:45 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 259001
commerce.2 The advisory criteria for
§ 391.41(b)(4) indicates that coronary
artery bypass surgery and pacemaker
implantation are remedial procedures
and thus, not medically disqualifying.
ICDs are disqualifying due to risk of
syncope.
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received no comments in this
proceeding.
decision letter fully outlined the basis
for the denial and constitutes final
action by the Agency. The name of this
individual published today summarizes
the Agency’s recent denial as required
under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(4).
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2023–14462 Filed 7–7–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
IV. Basis for Exemption Determination
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 Agency’s decision regarding this
exemption application is based on an
individualized assessment of the
applicants’ medical information,
available medical and scientific data
concerning ICDs, and any relevant
public comments received.
In the case of persons with ICDs, the
underlying condition for which the ICD
was implanted places the individual at
high risk for syncope or other
unpredictable events known to result in
gradual or sudden incapacitation. ICDs
may discharge, which could result in
loss of ability to safely control a CMV.
The December 2014 focused research
report referenced previously upholds
the findings of the April 2007 report and
indicates that the available scientific
data on persons with ICDs and CMV
driving does not support that persons
with ICDs who operate CMVs are able
to meet an equal or greater level of
safety.
V. Conclusion
The Agency has determined that the
available medical and scientific
literature and research provides
insufficient data to enable the Agency to
conclude that granting this exemption
would achieve a level of safety
equivalent to, or greater than, the level
of safety maintained without the
exemption. Therefore, Nicholas Steffler
(NC) has been denied an exemption
from the physical qualification
standards in § 391.41(b)(4).
The applicant has, prior to this notice,
received a letter of final disposition
regarding their exemption request. The
2 These criteria may be found in 49 CFR part 391,
APPENDIX A TO PART 391—MEDICAL
ADVISORY CRITERIA, section D. Cardiovascular:
§ 391.41(b)(4), paragraph 4, which is available on
the internet at https://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR2015-title49-vol5/pdf/CFR-2015-title49-vol5part391-appA.pdf.
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2023–0021]
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 12 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 August 9, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments
identified by the Federal Docket
Management System Docket No.
FMCSA–2023–0021 using any of the
following methods:
• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to
www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket
number (FMCSA–2023–0021) 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, Washington, DC 20590–
0001.
• Hand Delivery: West Building
Ground Floor, 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
SUMMARY:
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 130 / Monday, July 10, 2023 / Notices
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
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please
include the docket number for this
notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2023–0021),
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=FMCSA2023-0021. 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–2023–0021) in the
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 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.
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:45 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 259001
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 12 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
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).
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43645
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
Andrew Abraham
Andrew Abraham, 33, holds a class C
driver’s license in Texas.
Dary Berke
Dary Berke, 37, holds a class C
driver’s license in Maryland.
Esteban Castro
Esteban Castro, 56, holds a class D
driver’s license in Delaware.
Darius Cheatom
Darius Cheatom, 43, holds a class C
driver’s license in California.
Oscar Faustinos
Oscar Faustinos, 41, holds a class C
driver’s license in California.
Corey Garton
Corey Garton, 53, holds a class D
driver’s license in Arizona
Montalvo Gonzalez
Montalvo Gonzalez, 26, holds a class
F driver’s license in Florida.
Wen Le
Wen Le, 39, holds a class C driver’s
license in California.
Kenneth Lloyd
Kenneth Lloyd, 42, holds a class C
driver’s license in Pennsylvania.
Victor Lopez
Victor Lopez, 32, holds a class C
driver’s license in California.
Robert Troeller
Robert Troeller, 56, holds a class
ABCDM Commercial Driver’s License
(CDL) in Wisconsin.
William Whitfield
William Whitfield, 46, holds a class D
driver’s license in Virginia.
IV. Request for Comments
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315(b), FMCSA requests public
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43646
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 130 / Monday, July 10, 2023 / Notices
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. 2023–14464 Filed 7–7–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
(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 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
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0125;
FMCSA–2014–0102; FMCSA–2014–0106;
FMCSA–2014–0107; FMCSA–2014–0383;
FMCSA–2014–0384; FMCSA–2015–0326;
FMCSA–2018–0138]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption
Applications; Hearing
Federal Motor Carrier Safety
Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of final disposition.
AGENCY:
FMCSA announces its
decision to renew exemptions for 13
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 June 17, 2023. The exemptions
expire on June 17, 2025.
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:
SUMMARY:
lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1
I. Public Participation
A. Viewing Comments
To view comments go to
www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket
number (FMCSA–2013–0125, FMCSA–
2014–0102, FMCSA–2014–0106,
FMCSA–2014–0107, FMCSA–2014–
0383, FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–
2015–0326, or FMCSA–2018–0138) in
the keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’
Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted
VerDate Sep<11>2014
17:45 Jul 07, 2023
Jkt 259001
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
On May 24, 2023, FMCSA published
a notice announcing its decision to
renew exemptions for 13 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
33661). The public comment period
ended on June 23, 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
PO 00000
Frm 00103
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 9990
6458, 6463 (Apr. 22, 1970) and 36 FR
12857 (July 8, 1971), respectively).
III. Discussion of Comments
FMCSA received no comments in this
proceeding.
IV. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 13
renewal exemption applications,
FMCSA announces its decision to
exempt the following drivers from the
hearing requirement in § 391.41(b)(11).
As of June 17, 2023, and in
accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and
31315(b), the following 13 individuals
have satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the
hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for
interstate CMV drivers (88 FR 33662):
Kevin Ballard (TX)
Herbert Crowe (MO)
Mark Dickson (TX)
Jacob Gadreault (MA)
David Garland (ME)
Lane Grover (IN)
Paul Langlois (OH)
Billie Jo Martinez (TX)
David Shores (NC)
Kirk Soneson (OH)
James Thomason (MO)
Ramarr Wadley (PA)
Jeffrey Webber (OK)
The drivers were included in docket
numbers FMCSA–2013–0125, FMCSA–
2014–0102, FMCSA–2014–0106,
FMCSA–2014–0107, FMCSA–2014–
0383, FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–
2015–0326, or FMCSA–2018–0138.
Their exemptions were applicable as of
June 17, 2023 and will expire on June
17, 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. 2023–14466 Filed 7–7–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
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Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 130 (Monday, July 10, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 43644-43646]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-14464]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0021]
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 12 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 August 9, 2023.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket
Management System Docket No. FMCSA-2023-0021 using any of the following
methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/,
insert the docket number (FMCSA-2023-0021) 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,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, 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
[[Page 43645]]
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-2023-0021), 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-2023-0021. 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-2023-0021) 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
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 12 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
Andrew Abraham
Andrew Abraham, 33, holds a class C driver's license in Texas.
Dary Berke
Dary Berke, 37, holds a class C driver's license in Maryland.
Esteban Castro
Esteban Castro, 56, holds a class D driver's license in Delaware.
Darius Cheatom
Darius Cheatom, 43, holds a class C driver's license in California.
Oscar Faustinos
Oscar Faustinos, 41, holds a class C driver's license in
California.
Corey Garton
Corey Garton, 53, holds a class D driver's license in Arizona
Montalvo Gonzalez
Montalvo Gonzalez, 26, holds a class F driver's license in Florida.
Wen Le
Wen Le, 39, holds a class C driver's license in California.
Kenneth Lloyd
Kenneth Lloyd, 42, holds a class C driver's license in
Pennsylvania.
Victor Lopez
Victor Lopez, 32, holds a class C driver's license in California.
Robert Troeller
Robert Troeller, 56, holds a class ABCDM Commercial Driver's
License (CDL) in Wisconsin.
William Whitfield
William Whitfield, 46, holds a class D driver's license in
Virginia.
IV. Request for Comments
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA requests
public
[[Page 43646]]
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. 2023-14464 Filed 7-7-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P