Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 2007 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 151 - 187 of 187
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Renewals; Vision
FMCSA previously announced its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 8 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has reviewed the comments submitted in response to the previous announcement and concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs) for Documenting Hours of Service; Listening Sessions
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces public listening sessions to obtain feedback from interested parties on the Agency's January 18, 2007, notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to establish new performance standards for EOBRs, require the use of these devices by certain motor carriers, and to provide incentives for the voluntary use of such devices by the industry. The listening sessions will provide all interested parties with an opportunity to share their views on the Agency's EOBR rulemaking. All oral comments will be transcribed and placed in the public docket identified at the beginning of this notice.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 19 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 15 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Renewals; Vision
FMCSA previously announced its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for these 45 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has reviewed the comments submitted in response to the previous announcements and concluded that granting these exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Medical Review Board Meeting, Public Listening Session
FMCSA announces a meeting and public listening session of the Agency's MRB. The MRB members will continue deliberations about current FMCSA medical standards, as well as consider recommendations for new science-based standards and guidelines to ensure that the physical condition of drivers is adequate to enable them to safely operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. In accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA), the MRB meeting is open to the public.
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation: Surge Brake Requirements
FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to allow the use of automatic hydraulic inertia brake systems (surge brakes) on trailers when the ratios of gross vehicle weight ratings (GVWR) for the towing-vehicle and trailer are within certain limits. A surge brake is a self-contained permanently closed hydraulic brake system activated in response to the braking action of the towing vehicle. The amount of braking force developed by the trailer surge- brake system is proportional to the ratio of the towing vehicle to trailer weight and deceleration rate of the towing vehicle. This action is in response to a petition for rulemaking from the Surge Brake Coalition (Coalition).
Withdrawal of Regulatory Guidance Concerning the Use of Surge Brakes on Commercial Motor Vehicles
FMCSA withdraws all prior regulatory guidance, previously in the Federal Register, as well as memoranda and letters issued by the Agency, indicating that surge brakes do not meet certain provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Elsewhere in today's issue of the Federal Register, FMCSA amends the FMCSRs to allow the use of automatic hydraulic inertia brake systems (surge brakes) on trailers when the ratios of gross vehicle weight ratings for the towing-vehicle and trailer are within certain limits.
Identification of Vehicles: Oregon Department of Transportation Tax Credentials Petition for Determination
FMCSA denies a petition from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for a determination that the State may continue to require interstate motor carriers to display weight-mile tax credentials (WMTCs) in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in Oregon. The Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) prohibits States from requiring motor carriers to display in, or on, CMVs any form of identification other than forms required by the Secretary of Transportation. However, SAFETEA-LU also provides that a State may continue to require display of credentials that the Secretary determines are appropriate. ODOT requested that FMCSA determine that its WMTCs are appropriate under SAFETEA-LU. FMCSA denies ODOT's request because it could find no evidence to support a determination that the display of the WMTCs is appropriate. Therefore, the State of Oregon may no longer require interstate motor carriers to display WMTCs.
Notice of Request for Comments on Renewal of a Currently Approved Information Collection: Medical Qualification Requirements
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 review and approval. This information collection pertains to the requirements set forth in 49 CFR parts 391 and 398 for the following activities: (1) A medical examination form and certificate to be completed by a licensed medical examiner; (2) The submission of an application to FMCSA for the Agency to resolve conflicts of medical evaluations between medical examiners; (3) A driver qualification (DQ) file for: (a) Motor carriers to include the medical certificate; (b) motor carriers of migrant workers to include a doctor's certificate for every driver employed or used by them; and (c) motor carriers to include a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate issued to a driver with a limb disability; and (4) Information collected from carriers, drivers and interested parties used in Agency determinations for granting exemptions from the vision and diabetes requirements in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The Agency published a Federal Register notice allowing for a 60-day comment period on the ICR in October 2006 (71 FR 61822, Oct. 19, 2006). The Agency did not receive any comments in response to this notice.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 55 individuals for exemptions 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 commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 33 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.
Commercial Driver's License Advisory Committee
This notice sets forth the schedule for the meetings of the Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Advisory Committee. Pursuant to section 4135 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU), the Secretary of Transportation established this advisory committee to study and address current impediments and foreseeable challenges to the commercial driver's license program's effectiveness and measures needed to realize the full safety potential of the commercial driver's license program. Members of the advisory committee will include State motor vehicle administrators, organizations representing government agencies or officials, members of the Judicial Conference, representatives of the trucking industry, representatives of labor organizations, safety advocates, and other significant stakeholders.
Electronic On-Board Recorders (EOBRs) for Documenting Hours of Service; Listening Session
The FMCSA announces a public listening session to obtain feedback from interested parties on the Agency's January 18, 2007, notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to establish new performance standards for EOBRs, require the use of these devices by certain motor carriers, and to provide incentives for the voluntary use of such devices by the industry. The listening session will provide all interested parties with an opportunity to share their views on the Agency's EOBR rulemaking. All oral comments will be transcribed and placed in the public docket identified at the beginning of this notice.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 28 individuals for exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the Federal vision standard.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 15 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 13 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Phased Implementation of Informal Hearing Process
The FMCSA is continuing a phased implementation of a new provision related to informal hearings in the 49 CFR part 386 Rules of Practice. On March 17, 2006, this alternative was implemented in States included in the Midwest Service Center geographic area. Beginning on February 13, 2007 this alternative is being expanded to States included in the Eastern Service Center geographic area.
Brokers of Household Goods Transportation by Motor Vehicle
FMCSA proposes to amend its regulations to require brokers who arrange the transportation of household goods in interstate or foreign commerce for consumers to comply with additional consumer protection requirements. This rulemaking is in response to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) and a petition for rulemaking from the American Moving and Storage Association. This rulemaking is intended to educate and inform consumers and brokers about fair and competitive business practices proposed by the FMCSA.
Availability of Grant Program Funds for Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks Program
FMCSA announces the availability of Commercial Vehicle Information Systems and Networks (CVISN) grant funding as authorized by Section 4126 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). This is a discretionary grant program that provides funding for States to deploy, operate, and maintain elements of their CVISN program, including commercial vehicle, commercial driver, and carrier-specific information systems and networks. The agency in each State designated as the primary agency responsible for the development, implementation, and maintenance of the CVISN-related systems is eligible to apply for grant funding. To apply for funding, applicants must register with the grants.gov Web site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/get registered.jsp) and submit an application in accordance with instructions provided. Applications for grant funding must be submitted electronically to FMCSA through the grants.gov Web site. Section 4126 of SAFETEA-LU distinguishes between two types of CVISN projects: Core and Expanded. To be eligible for funding of Core CVISN deployment project(s), a State must have its most current Core CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design approved by FMCSA and the proposed project(s) should be consistent with its approved Core CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design. A State may also apply for funds to prepare an Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design if FMCSA acknowledged the staff as having completed Core CVISN deployment. In order to be eligible for funding of any Expanded CVISN deployment project(s), a State must have its most current Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design approved by FMCSA and any proposed Expanded CVISN project(s) should be consistent with its Expanded CVISN Program Plan and Top-Level Design.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 10 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Solicitation of Applications for Fiscal Year (FY) 2007, Safety Data Improvement Program Grant Opportunity
FMCSA announces that it has published an opportunity to apply for FY 2007 Safety Data Improvement Program Grant Opportunity funding on the grants.gov Web site (https://www.grants.gov). Section 4128 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users (SAFETEA-LU) establishes the Safety Data Improvement Program Grant Program Opportunity. The legislation supports a discretionary grant program that provides funding for States to improve the quality of crash and inspection truck and bus data reported by the States to FMCSA, as defined in Section 31102 of Title 49, United States Code. Eligible awardees can include a State agency located in one of the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Northern Mariana Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. To apply for funding, applicants must be registered with grants.gov. Registration with grants.gov may take two to five days before the system will allow you to apply for grants using the grants.gov Web site (https://www.grants.gov/applicants/getregistered.jsp). Submit application in accordance with the instructions provided. Applications for grant funding must be submitted electronically to the FMCSA through the grants.gov Web site. The Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) number for Safety Data Improvement Program is 20.234.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt sixty-six individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for Scott D. Goalder. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the vision requirement if the exemptions granted will not compromise safety. The Agency has concluded that renewing Mr. Goalder's exemption will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemption for this commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver.
Hours of Service of Drivers: Quality Driveaway, Inc. Application for Exemption
FMCSA announces that it has received from Quality Driveaway, Inc. (Quality) an application for an exemption from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations regarding maximum driving time for drivers of passenger-carrying vehicles. The exemption would allow Quality drivers delivering new buses without any passengers to be governed by the hours-of-service (HOS) requirements for drivers of property- carrying vehicles. Quality states that the level of safety will be equivalent or greater than the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with the HOS regulations for drivers of passenger-carrying vehicles. FMCSA requests public comment on Quality's application for exemption.
Notice of Request for Clearance of a New Information Collection: Commercial Driver's License Program Improvements and Commercial Driver's License Information System Modernization
This action informs the public that FMCSA intends to request that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approve a new information collection required by the Commercial Driver's License Program Improvements (CDLPI) and the Commercial Driver's License Information System Modernization grant programs. That information consists of grant application preparation and quarterly reports. The CDLPI grant program also requires States' to conduct a self-assessment of their Commercial Driver's License (CDL) programs. This notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995.
Motor Vehicle and Carrier Safety Standards
NHTSA and FMCSA solicit comments on separate, but similar petitions for rulemaking from the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and Road Safe America and a group of nine motor carriers, to require devices that would limit the speed of certain trucks and to prohibit owners and operators from adjusting the speed limiting devices. The agencies are soliciting public comments to supplement a review of the material presented by the petitioners, along with an evaluation of data or other relevant information the agencies may already have, in conducting a technical review of the petitions. After considering the technical review, and taking into account appropriate factors, the NHTSA Administrator will make a decision whether to grant or deny either or both of these petitions.
Electronic On-Board Recorders for Hours-of-Service Compliance
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposes to amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to incorporate new performance standards for electronic on-board recorders (EOBRs) installed in commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) manufactured on or after the date 2 years following the effective date of a final rule. On-board hours-of-service recording devices meeting FMCSA's current requirements and voluntarily installed in CMVs manufactured before the implementation date of a final rule may continue to be used for the remainder of the service life of those CMVs. Under the proposal, motor carriers that have demonstrated a history of serious noncompliance with the hours-of-service (HOS) rules would be subject to mandatory installation of EOBRs meeting the new performance standards. If FMCSA determined, based on HOS records reviewed during each of two compliance reviews conducted within a 2- year period, that a motor carrier had a 10 percent or greater violation rate (``pattern violation'') for any regulation in proposed Appendix C to Part 385, FMCSA would issue the carrier an EOBR remedial directive. The motor carrier would be required to install EOBRs in all of its CMVs regardless of their date of manufacture and to use the devices for HOS recordkeeping for a period of 2 years, unless the carrier already had equipped its vehicles with automatic on-board recording devices (AOBRDs) meeting the Agency's current requirements under 49 CFR 395.15 and could demonstrate to FMCSA that its drivers understand how to use the devices. We also propose changes to the safety fitness standard that would require this group of carriers to install, use, and maintain EOBRs in order to meet the new standard. Finally, FMCSA would encourage industrywide use of EOBRs by providing the following incentives for motor carriers to voluntarily use EOBRs in their CMVs: Revising the Agency's compliance review procedures to permit examination of a random sample of drivers' records of duty status; providing partial relief from HOS supporting documents requirements, if certain conditions are satisfied; and other potential incentives made possible by the inherent safety and driver health benefits of EOBR technology.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 20 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 10 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 15 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 75 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.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 8 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 exemptions will provide a level of safety that will be equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety maintained without the exemptions for these commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 32 individuals for exemptions from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the Federal vision standard.
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