Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration February 11, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its decision to grant Dealers Choice Truckaway System, Inc.'s (Truckmovers) exemption application to allow the use of ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene blocks to build up the height of the front end of towed vehicles in driveaway-towaway operations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) permit the use of ``hardwood blocks of good quality'' for this purpose, but the use of materials other than hardwood blocks is not addressed. FMCSA believes the use of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene plastic blocks will maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety achieved without the exemption. While the Truckmovers exemption application requested relief for an estimated 250 drivers and CMVs, the Agency has decided that it is appropriate to extend the scope of the exemption to allow any motor carrier to use ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene support blocks in lieu of hardwood blocks.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 9 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that granting these exemption renewals will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.