Department of Transportation February 12, 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA announces that it has received an application from Farruggio's Express (Farruggio) for an exemption from timecard requirements for its drivers who may not meet all of the conditions for utilization of the 100 air-mile radius log book exemption in that section. The request would exempt Farruggio's drivers who stay within the 100 air-mile radius, but may occasionally exceed the 12 hour limitation, from having to complete a daily record of duty status (RODS). Farruggio states that its entire fleet of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) is equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) vehicle tracking devices, which it believes justifies the request for this exemption and provides an equivalent or greater level of safety than would be obtained by complying with the regulations. FMCSA requests public comment on Farruggio's application for exemption.

Based on the agency's evaluation, NHTSA denies a petition for rulemaking from Mr. David K. Aberizk, P.E., of Integrated Consultants Incorporated, who requests the development of safety standards for a driver-activated vehicle regenerative braking interface with distinct rear lighting indication. The petitioner claims that the recommended changes to the relevant safety standards would allow vehicle manufacturers to better utilize the regenerator technology to increase vehicle efficiency. NHTSA finds that some features of the suggested concept are not prohibited by existing Federal motor vehicle safety standards (FMVSS) and notes that Mr. Aberizk did not demonstrate how the other features address a motor vehicle safety need. FMVSS Nos. 108 and 135 currently specify performance requirements relevant to certain permitted technologies identified in the petition.