Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration January 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA proposes to amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to revise the current methodology for issuance of a safety fitness determination (SFD) for motor carriers. The proposed new methodologies would determine when a motor carrier is not fit to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in or affecting interstate commerce based on the carrier's on-road safety data in relation to five of the Agency's seven Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs); an investigation; or a combination of on-road safety data and investigation information. The intended effect of this action is to more effectively use FMCSA data and resources to identify unfit motor carriers and to remove them from the Nation's roadways.

FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 40 individuals for exemption from the prohibition against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals with ITDM to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions of 36 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from this rule 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 CMV drivers.

FMCSA announces that CRST Expedited (CRST) has applied for an exemption from the requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that requires a commercial learner's permit (CLP) holder to always be accompanied by a commercial driver's license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. CRST requests an exemption to allow CLP holders who have successfully passed the CDL skills test to be able to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without having a CDL holder seated beside them in the CMV. CRST states that the CDL holder would remain in the CMV at all times while the CLP holder is driving, but not necessarily in the passenger seat. CRST believes that the exemption, if granted, would promote greater productivity and help individuals who have passed the CDL skills test return to actively earning a living faster while achieving a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by complying with the regulations. FMCSA requests public comment on CRST's application for exemption.