Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing, 54142-54143 [2024-14326]

Download as PDF 54142 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 125 / Friday, June 28, 2024 / Notices Agency will evaluate any such information and, if safety is being compromised or if the continuation of the exemption is not consistent with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption. (vii). Non-Endorsement This limited and conditional exemption does not constitute an endorsement of the Intellistop product by FMCSA, NHTSA, the U.S. DOT, or any of their components, or by any of these agencies’ employees or agents. As a condition of the continued effectiveness of this exemption, Intellistop is expressly prohibited from describing its product as approved by, endorsed by, or otherwise authorized by FMCSA, NHTSA, or U.S. DOT, or as compliant with Federal safety regulations. VII. Preemption In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(d), as implemented by 49 CFR 381.600, during the period this exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation applicable to interstate commerce that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this exemption. States may, but are not required to, adopt the same exemption with respect to operations in intrastate commerce. Vincent G. White, Acting Administrator. [FR Doc. 2024–14265 Filed 6–27–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0122; FMCSA– 2013–0125; FMCSA–2014–0384;FMCSA– 2017–0057; FMCSA–2021–0015; FMCSA– 2022–0034] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department of Transportation (DOT). ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments. I. Public Participation FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 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. A. Submitting Comments If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0122, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0125, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0384, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0057, Docket No. FMCSA–2021–0015, or Docket No. FMCSA–2022–0034), indicate the specific section of this document to AGENCY: SUMMARY: khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES The exemptions are applicable on July 11, 2024. The exemptions expire on July 11, 2026. Comments must be received on or before July 29, 2024. ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket Management System Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0122, Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0125, Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0384, Docket No. FMCSA–2017–0057, Docket No. FMCSA–2021–0015, or Docket No. FMCSA–2022–0034 using any of the following methods: • Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket number (FMCSA–2013–0122, FMCSA– 2013–0125, FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–2017–0057, FMCSA–2021– 0015, or FMCSA–2022–0034) 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 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: DATES: VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:25 Jun 27, 2024 Jkt 262001 PO 00000 Frm 00205 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 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/, insert the docket number (FMCSA–2013–0122, FMCSA– 2013–0125, FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–2017–0057, FMCSA–2021– 0015, or FMCSA–2022–0034) in the keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ 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–2013–0122, FMCSA– 2013–0125, FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–2017–0057, FMCSA–2021– 0015, or FMCSA–2022–0034) 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. 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 E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 125 / Friday, June 28, 2024 / Notices 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 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 physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing found in 49 CFR 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). The 10 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of their exemptions from the hearing standard in § 391.41(b)(11), in accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend each exemption for a renewable 2-year period. III. Request for Comments Interested parties or organizations possessing information that would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the exemption of a driver. VerDate Sep<11>2014 19:25 Jun 27, 2024 Jkt 262001 IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 10 applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement. The 10 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the Agency. In addition, for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver’s License Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information System are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver’s Licensing Agency. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver’s ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for each of these drivers for a period of 2 years is likely to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption. As of July 11, 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: Nathan Bohannon (TX) Keith Drown (ID) Jeremy Earl (IL) Edison Garcia (MD) Rodney Henley (AL) Larry Mancill (IL) Glenn McCormack (IL) Bradley Sexton (OK) Russell Smith (OH) William Smitley (CA) The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA–2013–0122, FMCSA– 2013–0125, FMCSA–2014–0384, FMCSA–2017–0057, FMCSA–2021– 0015, or FMCSA–2022–0034. Their exemptions are applicable as of July 11, 2024 and will expire on July 11, 2026. V. Conditions and Requirements The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: (1) each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in § 390.5T; and (2) report all citations and convictions for disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 to FMCSA; and (3) each driver 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. Each PO 00000 Frm 00206 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 54143 exemption will be valid for 2 years unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (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 before it was 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). 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 10 exemption applications, FMCSA renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing requirement in § 391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA. Larry W. Minor, Associate Administrator for Policy. [FR Doc. 2024–14326 Filed 6–27–24; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2024–0021] 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 exempt 12 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 operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: The exemptions were applicable on June 17, 2024. The exemptions expire on June 17, 2026. SUMMARY: E:\FR\FM\28JNN1.SGM 28JNN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 125 (Friday, June 28, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54142-54143]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-14326]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0122; FMCSA-2013-0125; FMCSA-2014-0384;FMCSA-
2017-0057; FMCSA-2021-0015; FMCSA-2022-0034]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

ACTION: Notice of renewal of exemptions; request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 10 
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 are applicable on July 11, 2024. The exemptions 
expire on July 11, 2026. Comments must be received on or before July 
29, 2024.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0122, Docket No. FMCSA-2013-
0125, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0384, Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0057, Docket 
No. FMCSA-2021-0015, or Docket No. FMCSA-2022-0034 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov/, 
insert the docket number (FMCSA-2013-0122, FMCSA-2013-0125, FMCSA-2014-
0384, FMCSA-2017-0057, FMCSA-2021-0015, or FMCSA-2022-0034) 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 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-2013-0122, Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0125, Docket 
No. FMCSA-2014-0384, Docket No. FMCSA-2017-0057, Docket No. FMCSA-2021-
0015, or Docket No. FMCSA-2022-0034), 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/, insert 
the docket number (FMCSA-2013-0122, FMCSA-2013-0125, FMCSA-2014-0384, 
FMCSA-2017-0057, FMCSA-2021-0015, or FMCSA-2022-0034) in the keyword 
box and click ``Search.'' 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-2013-0122, FMCSA-2013-0125, FMCSA-2014-0384, FMCSA-2017-
0057, FMCSA-2021-0015, or FMCSA-2022-0034) 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

[[Page 54143]]

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 physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in 49 CFR 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).
    The 10 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the hearing standard in Sec.  391.41(b)(11), in 
accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated 
these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend 
each exemption for a renewable 2-year period.

III. Request for Comments

    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not 
currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately 
notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted 
and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the 
exemption of a driver.

IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 10 
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the hearing requirement. The 10 drivers in this notice 
remain in good standing with the Agency. In addition, for commercial 
driver's license (CDL) holders, the Commercial Driver's License 
Information System and the Motor Carrier Management Information System 
are searched for crash and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the 
Agency reviews the driving records from the State Driver's Licensing 
Agency. These factors provide an adequate basis for predicting each 
driver's ability to continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate 
commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the exemption for 
each of these drivers for a period of 2 years is likely to achieve a 
level of safety equal to that existing without the exemption.
    As of July 11, 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:

Nathan Bohannon (TX)
Keith Drown (ID)
Jeremy Earl (IL)
Edison Garcia (MD)
Rodney Henley (AL)
Larry Mancill (IL)
Glenn McCormack (IL)
Bradley Sexton (OK)
Russell Smith (OH)
William Smitley (CA)

    The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2013-0122, FMCSA-
2013-0125, FMCSA-2014-0384, FMCSA-2017-0057, FMCSA-2021-0015, or FMCSA-
2022-0034. Their exemptions are applicable as of July 11, 2024 and will 
expire on July 11, 2026.

V. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 
Sec.  390.5T; and (2) report all citations and convictions for 
disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 to FMCSA; and (3) 
each driver 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. Each exemption will be valid for 2 years 
unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: 
(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 before it was 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).

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 10 exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing 
requirement in Sec.  391.41 (b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315(b), each exemption will be valid for 2 years unless 
revoked earlier by FMCSA.

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2024-14326 Filed 6-27-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P

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