Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 27479-27481 [2024-08117]

Download as PDF lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / Notices 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. 6458, 6463 (Apr. 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 8, 1971), respectively). 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. As of March 4, 2024, 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 (89 FR 15255): Charles Armand (TX) Baldemar Barba (TX) Jeremy Descloux (WA) Edward Larizza (CA) Rage Muse (MN) Michael Paul (IL) Jodyann Nipper (IA) William Rivas (CA) Kenneth Salts (OH) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2019–0111 or FMCSA– 2021–0017. Their exemptions were applicable as of March 4, 2024 and will expire on March 4, 2026. 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. II. Background On February 29, 2024, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for nine 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 (89 FR 15255). The public comment period ended on April 1, 2024, 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 VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Apr 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received no comments in this proceeding. IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the nine renewal exemption applications and comments received, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41(b)(11). Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2024–08123 Filed 4–16–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2024–0007] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). AGENCY: PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 ACTION: 27479 Notice of final disposition. FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 11 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions are applicable on April 5, 2024. The exemptions expire on April 5, 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 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: SUMMARY: I. Public Participation A. Viewing Comments To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket number (FMCSA–2024–0007) in the keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, sort the results by ‘‘Posted (OlderNewer),’’ 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 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. II. Background On February 7, 2024, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1 27480 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / Notices lotter on DSK11XQN23PROD with NOTICES1 of applications from 11 individuals requesting an exemption from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (89 FR 8484). The public comment period ended on March 8, 2024, and two comments were received. FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that granting exemptions to these individuals 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). III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received two comments in this proceeding. One commenter outlined concerns related to a forced whisper test being used to fairly measure an individual’s hearing due to it being administered by medical examiners with differing voice tones and volumes. They felt that testing should be administered using technology in order to ensure each driver is tested with standardize volumes. In addition, the commenter believes that an individual with a safe driving history should not be required to get a hearing exemption and that this should be determined on a case-by-case scenario, rather than by majority. The second comment is outside of the scope of this notice. FMCSA provides guidance to medical examiners on how to properly perform a forced whisper test in Appendix A to Part 391—Medical Advisory Criteria to ensure consistency in how this test is administered. The decision whether to administer a forced whisper test, audiometric test, or both, is left to the discretion of medical examiner to determine on a case-by-case basis when VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:10 Apr 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 performing a physical qualification exam on an individual. Additionally, FMCSA’s decision to grant a hearing exemption is not solely based on the individual not meeting the hearing standard, but also a review of their driving history record to ensure that they have demonstrated a level of safety that is equal to or greater than the level of safety performed by an individual not requiring an exemption. 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 statutes also allow the Agency to renew exemptions at the end of the 5-year period. However, 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 Agency’s decision regarding these exemption applications is based on relevant scientific information and literature, and the 2008 Evidence Report, ‘‘Executive Summary on Hearing, Vestibular Function and Commercial Motor Driving Safety.’’ The evidence report reached two conclusions regarding the matter of hearing loss and CMV driver safety: (1) no studies that examined the relationship between hearing loss and crash risk exclusively among CMV drivers were identified; and (2) evidence from studies of the private driver’s license holder population does not support the contention that individuals with hearing impairment are at an increased risk for a crash. In addition, the Agency reviewed each applicant’s driving record found in the Commercial Driver’s License Information System, for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, and inspections recorded in the Motor Carrier Management Information System. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviewed the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency. Each applicant’s record demonstrated a safe driving history. Based on an individual assessment of each applicant that focused on whether an equal or greater level of safety would likely be achieved by permitting each of these drivers to drive in interstate commerce, the Agency finds the drivers granted this exemption have demonstrated that they do not pose a risk to public safety. Consequently, FMCSA finds further that in each case exempting these PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 applicants from the hearing standard in § 391.41(b)(11) would likely achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption, consistent with the applicable standard in 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1). V. Conditions and Requirements The terms and conditions of the exemption are provided to the applicants in the exemption document and include the following: (1) each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in § 390.5T; (2) each driver must report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 to FMCSA; and (3) each driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The driver must also have a copy of the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local enforcement official. In addition, the exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing requirements. VI. Preemption During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with respect to a person operating under the exemption. VII. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 11 exemption applications, FMCSA exempts the following drivers from the hearing standard; in § 391.41(b)(11), subject to the requirements cited above: Baldemar Barba (TX) Michael Blizard (FL) Nathan Brune (ID) Byron Nelson (OR) Cedric Carr (NC) David Fults (IL) Deshon Gray (TX) Kekoa Kahele (NV) Robert Lara Lara (RI) Patrick Rubio (CA) James Sanford (SD) 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 E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 75 / Wednesday, April 17, 2024 / Notices 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. 2024–08117 Filed 4–16–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0123; FMCSA– 2014–0104; FMCSA–2014–0385; FMCSA– 2016–0003; FMCSA–2017–0057; FMCSA– 2017–0058; FMCSA–2017–0060; FMCSA– 2018–0139; FMCSA–2019–0109; FMCSA– 2019–0111; FMCSA–2019–0112] 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 18 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: 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, 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–2013–0123, FMCSA– 2014–0104, FMCSA–2014–0385, FMCSA–2016–0003, FMCSA–2017– 0057, FMCSA–2017–0058, FMCSA– 2017–0060, FMCSA–2018–0139, FMCSA–2019–0109, FMCSA–2019– 0111, or FMCSA–2019–0112) in the keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, VerDate Sep<11>2014 17:56 Apr 16, 2024 Jkt 262001 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. 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. II. Background On January 30, 2024, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 18 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 (89 FR 5991). The public comment period ended on February 29, 2024, 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 00076 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 27481 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 18 renewal exemption applications and comments received, FMCSA announces its decision to exempt the following drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41 (b)(11). As of February 14, 2024, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following eight individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (89 FR 5992): Lucius Fowler (IL) Jared Gunn (IL) Daniel Krystosek (MN) John Malm (IL) Ray Norris (TX) Abel Talamantes (WA) Andrew Tessin (NC) Charles Wirick (MD) The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA–2013–0123, FMCSA– 2014–0104, FMCSA–2017–0058, FMCSA–2018–0139, FMCSA–2019– 0111, or FMCSA–2019–0112. Their exemptions were applicable as of February 14, 2024 and will expire on February 14, 2026. As of February 19, 2024, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 10 individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (89 FR 5992): Wyatt Baldwin (NV) Adam Hayes (CA) Amy Ivins (NE) Bradley Ledford (NE) Adrian Lopez (TX) Jeffrey Schulkers (KY) Mark Tabangcora (CA) Jason Thomas (TX) Joshua Tinley (AZ) Kerri Wright (OK) The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA–2016–0003, FMCSA– 2017–0057, or FMCSA–2017–0060. Their exemptions were applicable as of February 19, 2024 and will expire on February 19, 2026. 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 E:\FR\FM\17APN1.SGM 17APN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 75 (Wednesday, April 17, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 27479-27481]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-08117]


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

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2024-0007]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 11 individuals from the 
hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations 
(FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate 
commerce. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf 
individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: The exemptions are applicable on April 5, 2024. The exemptions 
expire on April 5, 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, 
[email protected]. 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 Comments

    To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket 
number (FMCSA-2024-0007) in the keyword box and click ``Search.'' Next, 
sort the results by ``Posted (Older-Newer),'' 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 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-system-records-notices, the comments are searchable by the name of 
the submitter.

II. Background

    On February 7, 2024, FMCSA published a notice announcing receipt

[[Page 27480]]

of applications from 11 individuals requesting an exemption from the 
hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) to operate a CMV in 
interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (89 FR 
8484). The public comment period ended on March 8, 2024, and two 
comments were received.
    FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and 
determined that granting exemptions to these individuals would likely 
achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the 
level that would be achieved by complying with Sec.  391.41(b)(11).
    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).

III. Discussion of Comments

    FMCSA received two comments in this proceeding. One commenter 
outlined concerns related to a forced whisper test being used to fairly 
measure an individual's hearing due to it being administered by medical 
examiners with differing voice tones and volumes. They felt that 
testing should be administered using technology in order to ensure each 
driver is tested with standardize volumes. In addition, the commenter 
believes that an individual with a safe driving history should not be 
required to get a hearing exemption and that this should be determined 
on a case-by-case scenario, rather than by majority. The second comment 
is outside of the scope of this notice.
    FMCSA provides guidance to medical examiners on how to properly 
perform a forced whisper test in Appendix A to Part 391--Medical 
Advisory Criteria to ensure consistency in how this test is 
administered. The decision whether to administer a forced whisper test, 
audiometric test, or both, is left to the discretion of medical 
examiner to determine on a case-by-case basis when performing a 
physical qualification exam on an individual. Additionally, FMCSA's 
decision to grant a hearing exemption is not solely based on the 
individual not meeting the hearing standard, but also a review of their 
driving history record to ensure that they have demonstrated a level of 
safety that is equal to or greater than the level of safety performed 
by an individual not requiring an exemption.

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 statutes also allow the Agency to renew exemptions at 
the end of the 5-year period. However, 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 Agency's decision regarding these exemption applications is 
based on relevant scientific information and literature, and the 2008 
Evidence Report, ``Executive Summary on Hearing, Vestibular Function 
and Commercial Motor Driving Safety.'' The evidence report reached two 
conclusions regarding the matter of hearing loss and CMV driver safety: 
(1) no studies that examined the relationship between hearing loss and 
crash risk exclusively among CMV drivers were identified; and (2) 
evidence from studies of the private driver's license holder population 
does not support the contention that individuals with hearing 
impairment are at an increased risk for a crash. In addition, the 
Agency reviewed each applicant's driving record found in the Commercial 
Driver's License Information System, for commercial driver's license 
(CDL) holders, and inspections recorded in the Motor Carrier Management 
Information System. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviewed the 
driving records from the State Driver's Licensing Agency. Each 
applicant's record demonstrated a safe driving history. Based on an 
individual assessment of each applicant that focused on whether an 
equal or greater level of safety would likely be achieved by permitting 
each of these drivers to drive in interstate commerce, the Agency finds 
the drivers granted this exemption have demonstrated that they do not 
pose a risk to public safety.
    Consequently, FMCSA finds further that in each case exempting these 
applicants from the hearing standard in Sec.  391.41(b)(11) would 
likely achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption, consistent with the applicable standard in 49 U.S.C. 
31315(b)(1).

V. Conditions and Requirements

    The terms and conditions of the exemption are provided to the 
applicants in the exemption document and include the following: (1) 
each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in Sec.  
390.5T; (2) each driver must report all citations and convictions for 
disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 to FMCSA; and (3) 
each driver is prohibited from operating a motorcoach or bus with 
passengers in interstate commerce. The driver must also have a copy of 
the exemption when driving, for presentation to a duly authorized 
Federal, State, or local enforcement official. In addition, the 
exemption does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable 
CDL testing requirements.

VI. Preemption

    During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall 
enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with 
respect to a person operating under the exemption.

VII. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 11 exemption applications, FMCSA 
exempts the following drivers from the hearing standard; in Sec.  
391.41(b)(11), subject to the requirements cited above:

Baldemar Barba (TX)
Michael Blizard (FL)
Nathan Brune (ID)
Byron Nelson (OR)
Cedric Carr (NC)
David Fults (IL)
Deshon Gray (TX)
Kekoa Kahele (NV)
Robert Lara Lara (RI)
Patrick Rubio (CA)
James Sanford (SD)

    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

[[Page 27481]]

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. 2024-08117 Filed 4-16-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P


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