Department of Transportation – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for eight individuals from the requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have "no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV." The exemptions enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 16 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. FMCSA requests OMB's renewed approval of the ICR titled "Transportation of Household Goods; Consumer Protection," which applies to household goods motor carriers who are procured by the public (household goods shippers) to transport their household goods. This renewal revises the previous information collection's number of respondents, total respondent hours, and cost burden.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion nor omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

This document proposes a voluntary framework for the evaluation and oversight of motor vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS). The ADS-equipped Vehicle Safety, Transparency, and Evaluation Program (AV STEP) would establish a national program for ADS-equipped vehicles that operate or may operate on public roads in the United States under NHTSA's oversight with the goal of improving public transparency related to the safety of certain ADS-equipped vehicles, while allowing for responsible development of this technology. This proposal includes procedures for application, participation, public reporting, and program administration. It identifies content requirements for applications, including independent assessments of ADS safety processes, such as the safety cases used and conformance to industry standards. These application requirements will inform NHTSA's decisions on terms and conditions for participation. The proposal also contains reporting requirements for participants, including periodic and event-triggered reporting.

The FAA proposes to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for Siam Hiller Holdings, Inc. (Siam Hiller), Model UH-12E (Army OH-23G and H-23F) and UH-12E-L helicopters. This proposed AD was prompted by reports of cracks found in a main rotor (M/R) transmission drive shaft (drive shaft). This proposed AD would require inspecting certain M/R drive shafts for a crack, prohibit installing certain M/R drive shafts unless the inspection is done, and prohibit using certain paint removers. The FAA is proposing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This notice contains a summary of a petition seeking relief from specified requirements of Federal Aviation Regulations. The purpose of this notice is to improve the public's awareness of, and participation in, the FAA's exemption process. Neither publication of this notice nor the inclusion nor omission of information in the summary is intended to affect the legal status of the petition or its final disposition.

The FAA is superseding Airworthiness Directive (AD) 2023-23- 10, which applied to all Embraer S.A. Model ERJ 190-300 airplanes. AD 2023-23-10 required repetitive inspections of the press-fitted bushings of the wing ailerons for migration and broken sealant, measurements of the distance between the aileron surfaces and hinge fittings, functional checks of the backlash of the wing aileron control system, and all applicable related investigative and corrective actions. Since the FAA issued AD 2023-23-10, it was determined that certain requirements needed to be clarified. This AD continues to require all actions of ANAC AD 2023-06-01 with revised compliance requirements, as specified in an Ag[ecirc]ncia Nacional de Avia[ccedil][atilde]o Civil (ANAC) AD, which is incorporated by reference. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) invites public comments about our intention to request approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for a new information collection. Before a Federal agency can collect certain information from the public, it must receive approval from OMB. Under procedures established by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, before seeking OMB approval, Federal agencies must solicit public comment on proposed collections of information, including extensions and reinstatement of previously approved collections. This document describes a new collection of information for which NHTSA intends to seek OMB approval to gather information on the personal protective equipment (PPE) motorcyclists wear including helmets and riding jackets, pants, boots, and gloves, how well the PPE fits, and how comfortable riders find it to be.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is seeking comments on whether to grant a general applicability public interest waiver of its Buy America requirements for the purchase of used locomotives that would serve as the underframe or chassis to convert them to all- electric, renewable diesel, battery-powered, or other renewable-energy locomotives. Such projects would remove highly polluting locomotives from the national rail network and replace them with more efficient locomotives that will reduce overall emissions, address environmental burdens on communities, and create domestic jobs. Purchases of these locomotives under FRA-funded projects are subject to FRA's Buy America requirements. However, given the age of these used locomotives, it is difficult and may not be possible to verify whether they are fully compliant with FRA's Buy America requirements. In this general applicability waiver, FRA does not propose to waive the applicable Build America, Buy America Act (BABA) requirements. This proposed waiver would not apply to any other manufactured products, steel, iron, or construction materials.

FMCSA announces that it has received an application for an exemption from James D. Welch, a Weapons Safety Division Chief for the U.S. Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC). Mr. Welch requests an exemption for Air Reserve Technicians (ARTs) working under the AFRC from the requirement to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). Currently, the CDL regulations contain an exception for certain military drivers when operating CMVs for military purposes, but that exception does not cover U.S. Reserve technicians such as ARTs. FMCSA requests public comment on the applicant's request for exemption for ARTs and on whether, if granted, the exemption should apply to all U.S. Reserve technicians.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FAA invites public comments about our intention to request the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval to renew an information collection. The Federal Register Notice with a 60-day comment period soliciting comments on the following collection of information was published on October 21, 2024. The collection involves the member of the public that may submit an Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOC) request to the FAA by using the Airworthiness Directives Development (ADD) External website. The information to be collected will be used to support publicly disseminated information to the FAA and/or is necessary because this information supports the Department of Transportation's strategic goal to promote the public health and safety by working toward eliminating transportation-related deaths and injuries.

The Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation (GLS) and the St. Lawrence Seaway Management Corporation (SLSMC) of Canada, under international agreement, jointly publish and presently administer the St. Lawrence Seaway Regulations and Rules (Practices and Procedures in Canada) in their respective jurisdictions. Under agreement with the SLSMC, the GLS is amending the joint regulations by updating the regulations and rules in various categories. These changes are to clarify existing requirements in the regulations.

In a final rule published in the Federal Register on November 18, 2024, FMCSA amended its regulations by making technical corrections throughout the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The final rule included an amendatory instruction to revise a stayed section without first lifting the stay. The final rule also included an amendatory instruction which referenced an incorrect paragraph letter. The Agency corrects these errors.

This notice announces actions taken by FHWA and other Federal agencies, on behalf of Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), that are final. The actions relate to a proposed highway project, Interstate 39/90/94 (I-39/90/94), US 12/18 to WIS 60, WIS 60 to Levee Road, US 16/WIS 12 to I-39, in Dane, Columbia, Sauk, and Juneau counties, Wisconsin. Those actions grant licenses, permits and approvals for the project.

The Board is instituting a proceeding to determine the railroad industry's cost of capital for 2024. The decision solicits comments on the following issues: the railroads' 2024 current cost of debt capital, the railroads' 2024 current cost of preferred equity capital (if any), the railroads' 2024 cost of common equity capital, and the 2024 capital structure mix of the railroad industry on a market value basis.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain The Boeing Company Model 757 airplanes. This AD was prompted by reports of several occurrences of a power transfer unit (PTU) control valve that failed to open when commanded. This AD requires installing new relays and changing certain wire bundles leading to the PTU control valve. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) is proposing to amend regulations that govern the provision of charter service by recipients of Federal financial assistance. The proposed changes will remove the Federal Financial Assistance Programs listed in an appendix and the guidance in additional appendices and make non-substantive technical edits throughout to remove outdated citations and provide clarity.

This rule amends, suspends, or removes Standard Instrument Approach Procedures (SIAPs) and associated Takeoff Minimums and Obstacle Departure Procedures for operations at certain airports. These regulatory actions are needed because of the adoption of new or revised criteria, or because of changes occurring in the National Airspace System, such as the commissioning of new navigational facilities, adding new obstacles, or changing air traffic requirements. These changes are designed to provide for the safe and efficient use of the navigable airspace and to promote safe flight operations under instrument flight rules at the affected airports.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. FMCSA requests approval to renew an ICR titled, "Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Vendor Registration." This ICR is necessary for ELD vendors to register their ELDs with the Agency.

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. This notice invites comments on a proposed information collection titled "Study of Warning Devices for Stopped Commercial Motor Vehicles." It is an experimental study that requires data collection for evaluating whether warning devices meaningfully influence crash-relevant aspects of human performance in the presence of a parked or disabled commercial motor vehicle (PDCMV), and if so, how and to what extent. These data collection efforts are expected to require the participation of 256 drivers.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for all The Boeing Company Model 767-200, -300, and -300F airplanes. This AD was prompted by a report of a main landing gear (MLG) collapse event following maintenance where a grinder was operating outside of its input parameters, resulting in possible heat damage to the outer cylinder of the MLG. This AD requires replacing affected outer cylinders. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

The FAA is adopting a new airworthiness directive (AD) for certain General Electric Company (GE) Model GEnx-1B64, GEnx-1B64/P1, GEnx-1B64/P2, GEnx-1B67, GEnx-1B67/P1, GEnx-1B67/P2, GEnx-1B70, GEnx- 1B70/75/P1, GEnx-1B70/75/P2, GEnx-1B70/P1, GEnx-1B70/P2, GEnx-1B70C/P1, GEnx-1B70C/P2, GEnx-1B74/75/P1, GEnx-1B74/75/P2, GEnx-1B76/P2, GEnx- 1B76A/P2, GEnx-2B67, GEnx-2B67B, and GEnx-2B67/P engines. This AD was prompted by a manufacturer evaluation that determined a lower life limit may be necessary for certain stages 6-10 compressor rotor spools than allowed by the engine shop manual (ESM). This AD requires a one- time inspection of the stages 6-10 spools for previously accomplished blend repairs, a one-time inspection of the blend repairs on the stages 6-10 spools for compliance with the updated allowable limits, and replacement if necessary. The FAA is issuing this AD to address the unsafe condition on these products.

This final rule amends Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 225; Child restraint systems, and FMVSS No. 213b; Child restraint systems, to improve ease-of-use of the lower and tether anchorages, improve correct use of child restraint systems in vehicles, and maintain or improve the correct use and effectiveness of child restraint systems (CRSs) in motor vehicles. This final rule fulfills a mandate of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP- 21) requiring that NHTSA improve the ease-of-use for lower anchorages and tethers in all rear seat positions.