Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration July 16, 2009 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 23 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision standard. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these CMV drivers.

FMCSA solicits applications from interested physicians to serve on the Agency's Medical Review Board (MRB). The MRB, authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), provides scientific advice to the Secretary of Transportation (the Secretary) and the FMCSA Administrator on medical issues relating to the physical qualification standards for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. In 2006, the Secretary appointed five physicians for 2-year terms to serve on the MRB. In 2008, the Secretary reappointed the physicians to the MRB, with the chairperson currently serving a 2-year term, and the other four members serving staggered 1-year terms. In 2009, the Secretary appointed two new members to a 2-year term, and reappointed two of the current members to a 1-year term to ensure the MRB continued to operate with five active members. The term of the chairman and two members will expire in 2010. Therefore, in 2010, the Secretary will appoint three new MRB members to fill the vacancies created when the three current members' terms expire. In addition, the Secretary will appoint alternates to serve if one or more of the appointed MRB members is unable to complete his/her term. The appointment of alternates ensures that the MRB will operate continuously with five active members.