Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration November 27, 2015 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions of 133 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 Atlantic and Pacific Freightways, Inc. (A&P) has applied for an exemption from 49 CFR 391.51(b)(7)(ii) requiring motor carriers to obtain an updated motor vehicle record (MVR) of any driver holding a commercial driver's license (CDL) when he or she undergoes a new medical examination. A&P is requesting the exemption of behalf of all motor carriers that are required to obtain an MVR under this rule. FMCSA requests public comments on the application for exemption.

FMCSA announces that it has received an application from the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) for a limited exemption from the Agency's commercial learner's permit (CLP) requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(c). The regulation provides that the CLP be valid for no more than 180 days from the date of issuance. The State of issuance may renew the CLP for an additional 180 days without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. ODOT proposes that it be allowed to extend the 180-day timeline to one year for CLPs issued to its drivers for multiple reasons. ODOT believes that there would be no impact on safety if the exemption is granted. FMCSA requests public comment on ODOT's application for exemption. In addition, because the issues concerning ODOT's request could be applicable to each State, FMCSA requests public comments whether the exemption, if granted, should apply to all State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs).