Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Convoy Technologies, Inc Application for an Exemption, 59964-59967 [2024-16208]

Agencies

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
• DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 142 (Wednesday, July 24, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 59964-59967]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-16208]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2024-0076]


Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Convoy 
Technologies, Inc Application for an Exemption

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant of exemption.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 
announces its decision to grant a limited 5-year exemption to Convoy 
Technologies, Inc. (Convoy) to allow motor carriers to operate 
commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with the company's Electronic Rear 
View System (ERVS) camera monitor system (CMS) installed as an 
alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal 
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The Agency has determined 
that granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety 
equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the 
regulation.

DATES: This exemption is effective July 24, 2024 and ending July 24, 
2029.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Sutula, Chief, Vehicle and 
Roadside Operations Division, Office of Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle 
Safety, FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001; 
(202) 366-9209; [email protected]. If you have questions on viewing or 
submitting material to the docket, call Dockets Operations at (202) 
366-9826.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments submitted in response to the notice requesting public comments 
on the exemption application, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or 
visit the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC, 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 Docket 
Operations. The on-line Federal document management system is available 
24 hours each day, 365 days each year. The docket number is listed at 
the beginning of this notice.

I. Legal Basis

    FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b) to grant 
exemptions from certain parts of the FMCSRs. FMCSA must publish a 
notice of each exemption request in the Federal Register (49 CFR 
381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an opportunity to 
inspect the information relevant to the application, including the 
applicant's safety analysis. The Agency must also provide an 
opportunity for public comment on the request.
    The Agency reviews safety analyses and public comments submitted 
and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a 
level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be 
achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305(a)). The decision of 
the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 
381.315(b)). If granted, the notice

[[Page 59965]]

will identify the regulatory provision from which the applicant will be 
exempt, the effective period (up to 5 years), and all terms and 
conditions of the exemption (49 CFR 381.315(c)(1)). If the exemption is 
denied, the notice will explain the reason for the denial (49 CFR 
381.315(c)(2)). The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).

II. Convoy's Application for Exemption

    Convoy has applied for an exemption from 49 CFR 393.80(a) to allow 
motor carriers to operate CMVs equipped with the company's ERVS CMS 
installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by 
the FMCSRs. A copy of the application is included in the docket 
referenced at the beginning of this notice.
    Section 393.80(a) of the FMCSRs requires that each bus, truck, and 
truck-tractor be equipped with two rear-vision mirrors, one at each 
side. The mirrors must be positioned to reflect to the driver a view of 
the highway to the rear and the area along both sides of the CMV. 
Section 393.80(a) cross-references the National Highway Traffic Safety 
Administration's (NHTSA) standards for mirrors on motor vehicles (49 
CFR 571.111, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard [FMVSS] No. 111, 
``Rear Visibility''). Paragraph S7.1 of FMVSS No. 111 provides 
requirements for mirrors on multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks 
with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 4,536 kg and 
less than 11,340 kg and each bus, other than a school bus, with a GVWR 
of more than 4,536 kg. Paragraph S8.1 provides requirements for mirrors 
on multipurpose passenger vehicles and trucks with a GVWR of 11,340 kg 
or more.
    The ERVS CMS consists of six cameras: two camera assemblies each 
with two high-definition cameras firmly mounted high on each side of 
the CMV exterior for optimal visibility, along with the option to add 
one additional rear-view camera per assembly. Each camera has a 
specific field of view (FOV) and is enclosed in an aerodynamic package 
that provides environmental protection for the cameras. Each camera 
presents a clear image to the driver by means of an internal monitor 
firmly mounted to the left and right A-pillar of the CMV, i.e., the 
structural member between the windshield and door of the cab. The 
installation of the monitors on the A-pillars creates no additional 
visual obstruction, while eliminating the substantial blind spots 
created by conventional mirrors. Convoy states that its ERVS CMS meets 
and/or exceeds the visibility requirements provided in FMVSS No. 111 
based on the following factors:
     Expanded FOV: the ERVS provides approximately 25% 
expansion of driver FOV.
     Left/Right Blind Zone Rear View: a super-wide view angle 
that reduces left/right blind zones and transmits the images through a 
high-speed video transmission to produce a clear, real-time display.
     A-pillar Blind Zone Elimination: camera angles provide 
drivers with full 180-degree views from the side of the CMV, 
eliminating A-pillar blind zones.
     Front Corner Blind Zone Elimination: a unique forward-
facing camera that provides clear visibility over the front right comer 
of the CMV, a high-risk blind spot that causes crashes.
     HD [high definition] Night Vision System: auto-dimming 
night vision technology that provides clear imaging and superior 
nighttime visibility through an HD image display.
     Camera LED [light-emitting diode] Auto Light: a built-in 
LED light in the camera that automatically adjusts to different road 
conditions to create a clearer display and appropriate screen 
brightness in low-light conditions.
     Screen Brightness Auto Adjustment: backlight brightness 
that adjusts automatically at day and night to reduce low-light and 
high-light/glare environments and provide optimal image quality.
     Uninterrupted, Fail-Safe Display: the ERVS is made up of 
multiple cameras to protect against malfunctions in the unlikely event 
of an individual camera failure. It also features defrosting elements 
and heat chips to provide continuous camera functioning in cold 
weather.
     Weather Resilient: unlike traditional mirrors, the ERVS 
internally mounted displays are protected from the elements; high 
camera placement and shielded, downward-facing camera orientation 
protects cameras from inclement weather.
     Fatigue Reduction: the system is ergonomically designed to 
reduce driver head movements and therefore reduce driver fatigue.
     HD Dual DVR [digital video recorder] Recording and 
Playback: dual HD recording that can provide important data for 
accident reconstruction and crash accountability.
    Convoy believes that mounting the system as described would 
maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the 
level of safety achieved without the exemption.

III. Summary of Comments

    FMCSA published a notice of the application in the Federal Register 
on February 29, 2024, requesting public comment (89 FR 14928). The 
Agency received comments from three individuals. Two generally opposed 
to the application and one supported it.
    Two commenters who opposed the exemption generally discourage the 
use of cameras to replace mirrors. They highlight the potential dangers 
of relying solely on electronic systems and advocate for the continued 
use of traditional mirrors. Their concern is that relying solely on 
cameras could create unsafe operating conditions in the event of a 
camera failure.
    Although the Agency received two comments opposing this exemption, 
FMCSA has received numerous positive comments in support of other, 
similar camera-based mirror system exemptions, such as in Stoneridge, 
Inc. ``MirrorEye Camera Monitor System'' (84 FR 5557, February 21, 
2019), Vision Systems North America ``SmartVision System'' (85 FR 2486, 
January 15, 2020), Robert Bosch, LLC and Mekra Lang North America, LLC 
(Bosch) ``Digital Mirror System'' (85 FR 58106, September 17, 2020), 
and Rosco Vision, Inc. ``Commercial Vehicle Digital Camera Monitor 
System'' (87 FR 73386, December 4, 2022). Seventeen motor carriers, 
associations and individuals supported the Stoneridge application, 
specifically noting the following benefits: (1) superior total FOV 
around a CMV, including reduction/elimination of blind spots (2) 
increased visibility when driving at night and during inclement 
weather, (3) enhanced vehicle maneuverability in backing, turning, and 
lane changes through use of trailer scanning, (4) and reduced driver 
fatigue.
    Vision Systems North America's application was supported by 5 motor 
carriers, associations, and individuals. These commenters specifically 
noted the following benefits of the camera-based mirror system 
proposed: (1) improved FOV around a CMV, including reduction/
elimination glare and blind spots, (2) increased visibility when 
driving at night and during inclement weather, and (3) reduced driver 
fatigue.
    The American Bus Association (ABA) commented in support of the 
Bosch Digital Mirror System. The ABA noted that the Bosch system 
provided the following visibility benefits: (1) anti-glare, (2) 
improved visibility at night and during adverse weather conditions, and 
(3) elimination of blind spots by providing a broader FOV around the 
vehicle.

[[Page 59966]]

    In addition to the positive comments received relating to other CMS 
systems, the Agency has not received any reports of crashes or other 
safety concerns relating to the previously granted CMS exemption 
applications.

IV. FMCSA Decision Granting Exemption

    FMCSA evaluated Convoy's application for exemption and the comments 
received. For the reasons discussed below, FMCSA grants the exemption 
to allow motor carriers to install and operate CMVs with the company's 
ERVS CMS as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by 
the FMCSRs. FMCSA believes that the ERVS CMS is likely to achieve a 
level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety 
achieved by the regulation.

A. Equivalent Level of Safety Analysis

    Section 393.80 cross-references FMVSS No. 111 which requires CMVs 
with a GVWR of 11,340 kg (25,000 pounds) or more to be equipped with a 
rearview mirror size of unit magnification of no less than 323 cm\2\ 
(50 in\2\) on each side of the vehicle. In its comments to a 2019 NHTSA 
Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on rear visibility, the Engine 
Manufacturers Association \1\ (EMA) noted that CMV manufacturers are 
equipping CMVs with mirrors that are more than twice the minimum size 
required for each side of the vehicle, as well as adding convex mirrors 
to provide the driver a still greater FOV. The manufacturers install 
these larger, less aerodynamic mirrors to provide the driver the 
enhanced visibility that is crucial to the safe operation of a large 
truck. Similarly, CMS like Convoy's ERVS CMS are capable of providing 
an enhanced FOV that exceeds FMVSS No. 111 and the current rear-vision 
mirrors installed on CMVs.
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    \1\ Engine Manufacturers Association (EMA) comments to NHTSA 
ANPRM Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 111, Rear Visibility 
(84 FR 54533, October 10, 2019), https://www.regulations.gov/comment/NHTSA-2018-0021-0493.
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    FMCSA notes that CMS are authorized for use in a number of European 
countries as a legal alternative to the traditional rear-vision mirrors 
under the requirements of United Nations Economic Commission for Europe 
(UNECE) R46 which specifies minimum safety, ergonomic, and performance 
requirements for CMS in place of mandatory inside and outside rearview 
mirrors for road vehicles. This regulation references ISO 
(International Organization for Standardization) standard 16505 Rev 
2019 which addresses CMS definitions and required performance for use 
in road vehicles. The specifications for CMS systems in ISO 16505 
exceed the FOV requirements in FMVSS No. 111.
    FMCSA has reviewed Convoy's exemption application and has 
determined that its ERVS CMS exceeds both the FOV required by FMVSS No. 
111 and the standards of rear-vision mirrors currently installed by 
manufacturers.
    FMCSA acknowledges the concerns of the two individual commenters 
regarding potential system failure of the ERVS CMS. FMCSA notes that 
the ERVS CMS is designed with redundancy in the event of camera failure 
such that if one of the cameras within the camera assembly were to 
fail, the system automatically adjusts the view of the interior monitor 
for that side of the vehicle to a full screen view of the remaining 
working camera. Furthermore, if the entire camera assembly on one side 
were to fail, the functionality of the other side remains unaffected.
    In the event of camera or monitor failure, the CMV would not be 
subject to an out-of-service (OOS) order because it is not a critical 
inspection item under CVSA's OOS criteria,\2\ in the same way 
conventional mirrors are not out of service if cracked or damaged while 
in operation. Instead, the CMV would be subject to the requirements of 
49 CFR 396.11 which would require a driver to complete a driver vehicle 
inspection report at the end of the workday and the motor carrier to 
correct any identified safety defects before permitting or requiring a 
driver to operate the CMV again.
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    \2\ The CVSA OOSC states that any motor vehicle which by reason 
of its mechanical condition or loading that would be likely to cause 
an accident or breakdown is considered ``Out-of-Service.'' 
Violations, other than Out-of-Service conditions, detected during 
the inspection process will not preclude the completion of the 
current trip or dispatch. However, such violations must be corrected 
or repaired prior to redispatch. See https://www.cvsa.org/inspections/out-of-service-criteria/.
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    Additionally, under 49 CFR 392.7(a), CMV drivers must satisfy 
themselves that a vehicle is in safe condition before operating the 
vehicle. This obligation would include ensuring that both rear-vision 
mirrors (or in this case, all components of the ERVS CMS including all 
external cameras and both internal monitors) are in good working order. 
CMVs are also subject to the periodic inspection requirements under 49 
CFR 396.17 which would include an inspection of the ERVS CMS. To 
further ensure that the ERVS CMS system is properly maintained, the 
terms and conditions of the exemption specify that motor carriers and 
drivers operating CMVs equipped with the ERVS CMS must inspect them 
before operating the vehicle.
    FMCSA believes that the ERVS CMS is likely to achieve a level of 
safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be 
achieved by standard rear-view mirrors because it provides a greater 
FOV, eliminates the blind spots on both sides of the vehicle, provides 
a monitor with low-light sensitivity feature, and includes a camera 
heating system, all of which exceed the current requirements of 49 CFR 
393.80. The FMCSRs impose several operational controls that will help 
ensure that the ERVS CMS is functioning properly. Before driving a 
vehicle, a driver must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe 
operating condition, and that any system failures reported have been 
corrected prior to vehicle re-dispatch. Additionally, the driver must 
complete a driver vehicle inspection report at the completion of the 
workday, noting any system defects or failures that occurred during 
operation of the vehicle.

B. Duration of Exemption

    The Agency grants the exemption for a 5-year period, beginning July 
24, 2024 and ending July 24, 2029 unless rescinded earlier by FMCSA. 
During the exemption period, motor carriers operating CMVs may install 
and utilize Convoy's ERVS CMS in lieu of the two rear-vision mirrors 
required by section 393.80 of the FMCSRs. The Agency encourages drivers 
operating CMVs under this exemption to carry a copy of the exemption in 
the vehicle.

C. Conditions of Exemption

    1. This exemption is limited to Convoy's ERVS CMS installed on CMVs 
and does not apply to any other camera-based mirror-replacement system/
technology.
    2. Drivers operating CMVs under this exemption must inspect the 
ERVS CMS each time before operating the CMV and ensure that it is in 
proper working order.
    3. Drivers operating CMVs under this exemption must inspect the 
equipment at the end of each day and note any defects in the equipment. 
The motor carrier must repair any defects noted by the driver before 
allowing the operation of the CMV.

D. Preemption

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(d), as implemented by 49 CFR 
381.600, during the period this

[[Page 59967]]

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 with respect to a person operating 
under the exemption. States may, but are not required to, adopt the 
same exemption with respect to operations in intrastate commerce.

E. Termination

    FMCSA does not believe the motor carrier, the drivers, and CMVs 
covered by the exemption will experience any deterioration of their 
safety records. However, should this occur, FMCSA will take all steps 
necessary to protect the public interest, including revocation of the 
exemption without prior notice. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) 
motor carriers and/or CMV drivers fail to comply with the terms and 
conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption has resulted in a lower 
level of safety than 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) or 31315(b).
    The motor carrier must, in addition to existing periodic 
inspections required by 49 CFR 396.17, periodically inspect the ERVS 
CMS. Interested parties possessing information that would demonstrate 
that motor carriers operating CMVs utilizing Convoy's ERVS CMS 
installed as an alternative to two rear-vision mirrors are not 
achieving the requisite statutory level of safety should immediately 
notify FMCSA by email at [email protected]. The 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. We 
encourage drivers operating CMVs under this exemption to carry a copy 
of the exemption in the vehicle.

Sue Lawless,
Acting Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2024-16208 Filed 7-23-24; 8:45 am]
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