Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration 2016 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents
Results 251 - 300 of 309
Commercial Driver's License: Oregon Department of Transportation; Application for Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) a limited exemption from the commercial learner's permit (CLP) requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(c). All State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) are allowed to use this exemption at their discretion. The exemption will allow ODOT and participating SDLAs to extend to one year the 180-day timeline for the CLP from the date of issuance, without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. Under the exemption, an applicant wishing to have a new CLP after the previous one expires will be required to take all applicable tests before a new CLP is issued.
Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler)
FMCSA announces that Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) has requested an exemption for one commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver from the Federal requirement to hold a U.S. commercial driver's license (CDL). Daimler requests a five-year exemption for Ms. Melanie Baumann, executive assistant to the head of the Daimler Trucks and Bus Division. Ms. Baumann holds a valid German commercial license and wants to test drive Daimler vehicles on U.S. roads to better understand product requirements in ``real world'' environments, and verify results. Daimler believes the requirements for a German commercial license ensure that operation under the exemption will likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that would be obtained in the absence of the exemption.
Hours of Service of Drivers: Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA) Exemption; FAST Act Extension of Compliance Date
FMCSA announces the extension of the exemption granted to the Oregon Trucking Associations (OTA) on March 18, 2015, for certain timber operations in Oregon. The Agency extends the expiration date from March 18, 2017 to March 18, 2020 in response to section 5206(b)(2)(A) of the ``Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act'' (FAST Act). That section extends the expiration date of hours-of- service (HOS) exemptions in effect on the date of enactment of the FAST Act to 5 years from the date of issuance of the exemptions. The OTA exemption from the Agency's 30-minute rest break requirement is limited to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers engaged in transporting timber from Oregon forestlands, and further limited to periods of the year in which the Oregon Department of Forestry (ODF) has formally restricted logging operations to certain hours of the day due to an elevated risk of forest fire. The Agency previously determined that the CMV operations of OTA timber transporters under this exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be obtained in the absence of the exemption.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 22 individuals for exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.
Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler)
FMCSA announces that Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) has requested a renewal of an exemption for one commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver from the Federal requirement to hold a U.S. commercial driver's license (CDL). Daimler requests a five-year exemption for Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard, head of the Daimler Trucks and Bus Division, who will test drive CMVs for Daimler within the United States. Dr. Bernhard holds a valid German commercial license and wants to test drive Daimler vehicles on U.S. roads to better understand product requirements in ``real world'' environments, and verify results. Daimler believes the requirements for a German commercial license ensure that operation under the exemption will likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that would be obtained in the absence of the exemption.
Hours of Service of Drivers: American Trucking Associations (ATA); Denial of Application for Exemption
FMCSA announces its denial of the application of ATA for an exemption from the 14-hour provision of the Agency's hours-of-service regulations to enable certain drivers to exclude waiting time from their calculations of on-duty time. Currently, only specially trained drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that are specially constructed to service oil and natural gas extraction sites may employ this provision. ATA proposed that FMCSA issue a limited 2-year exemption to permit exclusion of such waiting time by drivers of CMVs who are exclusively engaged in servicing oil and natural gas extraction sites and have the opportunity to obtain rest while waiting at such sites. FMCSA concluded that ATA did not demonstrate how the CMV operations under such an exemption would achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety obtained in the absence of the exemption.
Notice of Unsafe Condition Involving Commercial Motor Vehicles Affected by Volvo Trucks North America's Safety Recall and Out-of-Service Declaration
FMCSA has determined that commercial motor vehicles manufactured by Volvo Trucks North America (Volvo Trucks) and affected by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Part 573 Safety Recall Report No. 16V-097000, that have not already received the interim or permanent recall remedy repair specified by Volvo in the recall, are likely to cause an accident or breakdown because of a defective steering shaft which may disconnect from the junction block without warning, causing the vehicle to be in an unsafe condition. FMCSA is notifying commercial motor vehicle operators that vehicles subject to the recall without the interim or permanent repair will be subject to an immediate out-of-service order under 49 CFR 396.9 or compatible state regulations.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 40 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. 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 exempt 36 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. 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.
Hours of Service of Drivers; Parts and Accessories: ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor, LLC, Application for Exemptions
FMCSA announces that it has received an application from ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor, LLC (ArcelorMittal) requesting exemptions for our regulations. The first exemption request is for ArcelorMittal's employee-drivers with commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) who transport steel coils between their production and shipping locations on public roads. ArcelorMittal requests this exemption to allow its employee- drivers to work up to 16 hours per day and be allowed to return to work with less than the mandatory 10 consecutive hours off duty. ArcelorMittal also requests exemptions in parts of our regulations for its coil carriers that do not meet all of the vehicle requirements in sections of our regulations. FMCSA requests public comment on ArcelorMittal's application for exemptions.
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 66 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.
Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance; Periodic Inspection of Commercial Motor Vehicles; Acceptance of Mexico's NOM-068-SCT-2-2014 Inspection Program
The FMCSA announces its acceptance of the Norma Oficial Mexicana ((NOM) or Official Mexican Standard) concerning the periodic inspection (PI) of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The Agency has reviewed NOM-068-SCT-2-2014 (NOM 68) and determined that it should be added to the list of programs which are comparable to, or as effective as, the Federal PI requirements contained in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA's acceptance of NOM 68 means that Mexico-domiciled motor carriers operating in the United States must ensure that their CMVs are inspected annually as required by the Secretar[iacute]a de Comunicaciones y Transportes (SCT). The motor carrier must retain a copy of the inspection report and a sticker/decal must be affixed to the vehicle in order to satisfy the PI requirements in the United States. These motor carriers will no longer have the option of relying on their employees to conduct inspections of the CMVs the carrier controls, using commercial garages for such inspections, or passing a roadside inspection based on criteria published by the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) to comply with the periodic inspection requirements at 49 CFR part 396.
Lease and Interchange of Vehicles; Motor Carriers of Passengers
FMCSA extends the compliance date by which motor carriers of passengers operating CMVs under a lease or interchange agreement are subject to the FMCSA final rule published May 27, 2015, for one year, to January 1, 2018. The Agency received numerous petitions for reconsideration of the final rule and based upon a review of the petitions, determined that the compliance date should be extended to provide sufficient time to address the issues raised by the petitioners. The Agency is adding a temporary section to its regulations to inform the public of this extension. There will no longer be a need for the section on the compliance date after January 1, 2018, thus the temporary section will be in effect only from March 16, 2016 through January 1, 2018.
Potential Benefits and Feasibility of Voluntary Compliance; Public Listening Sessions
FMCSA announces two public listening sessions, on April 1 and 25, 2016, to solicit information on the potential benefits and feasibility of voluntary compliance and ways to credit carriers and drivers who initiate and establish programs that promote safety beyond the standards established in FMCSA regulations. The recently enacted Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act mandates that the FMCSA Administrator allow recognition for a motor carrier that installs advanced safety equipment, enhanced driver fitness measures, fleet safety management tools, technologies, and programs and other standards for use by motor carriers to receive recognition, including credit or an improved Safety Measurement System (SMS) percentile. FMCSA is soliciting comments to develop a process for identifying and reviewing these opportunities to provide credit to those carriers and drivers who go above and beyond the regulatory requirements. The listening sessions are intended to provide interested parties with an opportunity to share their views on this topic with Agency representatives, along with any data or analysis they may have. All comments will be transcribed and placed in the docket referenced above for FMCSA's consideration. The entire proceedings of both meetings will be webcast.
Commercial Driver's License Requirements of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act and the Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012
FMCSA proposes amendments to its Commercial Driver's License (CDL) regulations that would ease the transition of military personnel into civilian careers in the truck and bus industry by simplifying the process of getting a commercial learner's permit (CLP) or CDL. This rulemaking would extend the time period for applying for a skills test waiver from 90 days to 1 year after leaving a military position requiring the operation of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). This rulemaking also would allow States to accept applications and administer the written and skills tests for a CLP or CDL from active duty military personnel who are stationed in that State. States that choose to accept such applications would be required to transmit the test results electronically to the State of domicile of the military personnel. The State of domicile would be required to issue the CDL or CLP on the basis of those results.
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for an Exemption From Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association
FMCSA requests public comment on an application for exemption from the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) to allow GLTPA motor carriers in Wisconsin to use cargo securement methods that do not comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for securing shortwood logs transported lengthwise in crib- type vehicles that have been modified or manufactured without front structures, rear structures, or which have a center-mounted crane for loading and unloading. The GLTPA and the Wisconsin State Patrol Motor Carrier Enforcement Section partnered to conduct cargo securement testing on stacks of shortwood logs in a crib-type vehicle using different tiedown configurations. Based on this testing, GLTPA believes that the alternative cargo securement methods for securing shortwood logs loaded lengthwise proposed in its application will maintain a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the exemption. The GLTPA is requesting this temporary exemption in advance of petitioning FMCSA to conduct a rulemaking to amend 49 CFR 393.116.
Hours of Service of Drivers: Application for Renewal of Illumination Fireworks, LLC and ACE Pyro, LLC Exemptions From the 14-Hour Rule During Independence Day Celebrations
FMCSA announces that it has received an application from Illumination Fireworks, LLC and ACE Pyro, LLC (applicants) for a renewal of their exemption from the requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must not drive following the 14th hour after coming on duty. The applicants requested the exemption for the period of June 28-July 8, for the next five years (2016-2020) inclusive. The applicants were previously granted an exemption for drivers of 50 CMVs during the Independence Day period of June 28, 2015- July 8, 2015. The exemption would apply solely to the operation of drivers of 50 CMVs employed by the applicants in conjunction with staging fireworks shows celebrating Independence Day during the proposed periods. During these periods, the CMV drivers employed by the applicants would be allowed to exclude off-duty and sleeper-berth time of any length from the calculation of the 14 hours. These drivers would not be allowed to drive after accumulating a total of 14 hours of on- duty time, following 10 consecutive hours off duty, and would continue to be subject to the 11-hour driving time limit, and the 60- and 70- hour on-duty limits. The applicants maintain that the terms and conditions of the limited exemption would ensure a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety achieved without the exemption.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions of 99 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.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 74 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.
Hours of Service of Drivers: National Star Route Mail Contractors Association; Application for Exemption
FMCSA announces that it has denied the National Star Route Mail Contractors Association (NSRMCA) application to exempt its contract carrier members from the ``14-hour rule'' of the Agency's hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. NSRMCA requested that a driver of a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) transporting U.S. mail be allowed to follow an alternative HOS regimen consisting of no more than 10 hours of driving following 8 consecutive hours off duty; the driver would also be prohibited from driving after having been on duty for 15 non- consecutive hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty. FMCSA reviewed NSRMCA's application and the public comments received, and denied the application because available information did not allow the Agency to conclude that the proposed exemption would achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained absent the exemption.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 30 individuals for exemption from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to qualify as drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.
Hours of Service of Drivers: Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association; Application for Exemption
FMCSA announces that it has received an application from the Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA) seeking exemption from two provisions of the Agency's hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. SC&RA asks that motor carriers and drivers operating mobile cranes with a rated lifting capacity of greater than 30 tons be exempted from the 30-minute break requirement and the 14-hour rule. SC&RA believes that these two HOS rules uniquely affect the operational efficiency of these crane operations and unnecessarily place the driver and public at risk. FMCSA requests public comment on SC&RA's application for exemption.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 68 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.
Evaluation of Safety Sensitive Personnel for Moderate-to-Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) request data and information concerning the prevalence of moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) among individuals occupying safety sensitive positions in highway and rail transportation, and on its potential consequences for the safety of rail and highway transportation. FMCSA and FRA (collectively ``the Agencies'') also request information on potential costs and benefits from regulatory actions that address the safety risks associated with motor carrier and rail transportation workers in safety sensitive positions who have OSA. For instance, the agencies request comment on the costs and benefits of requiring motor carrier and rail transportation workers in safety sensitive positions who exhibit multiple risk factors for OSA to undergo evaluation and treatment by a healthcare professional with expertise in sleep disorders.
Driver Qualification Files: Application for Exemption; Atlantic and Pacific Freightways, Inc.
FMCSA announces that it has accepted the request of Atlantic and Pacific Freightways, Inc. (A&P) to withdraw its application for exemption from the Agency's regulation requiring motor carriers to obtain updated medical certification information when a driver holding a commercial driver's license (CDL) undergoes a new driver medical examination (49 CFR 391.51(b)(7)(ii)). A&P no longer needs the exemption.
Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; State of Idaho, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD)
FMCSA announces that the Division of Motor Vehicles, Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), has applied for an exemption from provisions of 49 CFR 383.75(a)(8)(v) that require third-party commercial driver license (CDL) testers to initiate and maintain a bond in an amount determined by the State to be sufficient to pay for re- testing drivers in the event that the third party or one or more of its examiners is involved in fraudulent activities related to conducting skills testing of CDL applicants. FMCSA requests public comment on IDT's application for exemption.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 31 individuals for an exemption from the prohibition against persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti-seizure medication to operate CMVs for up to 2 years in interstate commerce.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemptions from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for 36 individuals. FMCSA has statutory authority to exempt individuals from the hearing 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.
Carrier Safety Fitness Determination
FMCSA extends the public comment period for the Agency's notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) that published on January 21, 2016. This NPRM concerns the proposals to the current methodology for issuance of safety fitness determinations (SFD) for motor carriers. The Agency extends the deadline for the submission of initial comments to May 23, 2016. Reply comments will be due on or before June 23, 2016. In addition, FMCSA corrects the title and date of an American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI) study report that the NPRM cited about the Agency's Safety Measurement System (SMS).
Qualification of Drivers; Application for Exemptions; Hearing
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 25 individuals for an exemption from the hearing requirement to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Notification of Changes to the Definition of a High Risk Motor Carrier and Associated Investigation Procedures
This notice announces the Agency's efforts to improve the carrier prioritization process to enable safety investigators to take more immediate action against carriers with the highest crash risk. Specifically, FMCSA is announcing a new High Risk Motor Carrier definition and associated investigative procedural changes. These changes correspond with the ``Blueprint for Safety Leadership: Aligning Enforcement and Risk'' report issued by a Federal Aviation Administration Independent Review Team (IRT) in July 2014. The IRT recommended that FMCSA sharpen its priority-setting focus and improve the timeliness of investigator actions on those motor carriers representing the highest risk. This notice explains the Agency's new High Risk Motor Carrier definition and associated investigative procedural changes.
Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level Commercial Motor Vehicle Operators
FMCSA proposes new training standards for certain individuals applying for their initial commercial driver's license (CDL); an upgrade of their CDL (e.g., a Class B CDL holder seeking a Class A CDL); or a hazardous materials, passenger, or school bus endorsement for their license; and a ``refresher'' training curriculum. These individuals would be subject to the proposed entry-level driver training requirements and must complete a course of instruction provided by an entity that: Meets the minimum qualifications for training providers; covers the curriculum; is listed on FMCSA's proposed Training Provider Registry; and submits electronically to FMCSA the training certificate for each individual who completes the training. This NPRM responds to a Congressional mandate imposed under the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act. The proposed rule is based on consensus recommendations from the Agency's Entry-Level Driver Training Advisory Committee (ELDTAC), a negotiated rulemaking committee which held a series of meetings between February and May 2015. The compliance date of this proposed rule would be three years after the effective date of the final rule.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 28 individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). They are unable to meet the vision requirement in one eye for various reasons. The exemptions will enable these individuals to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce without meeting the prescribed vision requirement in one eye. 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; Diabetes Mellitus
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 91 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.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently-Approved Information Collection Request: Transportation of Household Goods; Consumer Protection
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. The FMCSA requests approval to extend an ICR titled, ``Transportation of Household Goods; Consumer Protection.'' The information collected will be used to help regulate motor carriers transporting household goods (HHG) for individual shippers. FMCSA invites public comment on the ICR. On September 21, 2015, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice allowing for a 60-day comment period on this ICR. The agency received no comments in response to that notice.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently-Approved Information Collection Request: Financial Responsibility for Motor Carriers of Passengers and Motor Carriers of Property
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. The information collected will be used to help ensure that motor carriers of passengers and property maintain appropriate levels of financial responsibility to operate on public highways.
Commercial Zones at International Border With Mexico
FMCSA issues a final rule establishing the New Mexico Commercial Zone in Dona Ana County and Luna County, NM. This action is required by the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA- 21). The Agency also issues an interim final rule establishing an expanded commercial zone for the City of El Paso, TX, which now includes the new Tornillo-Guadalupe international bridge and port of entry on the border with Mexico. Additionally, through this action, FMCSA provides clarification on the definition of the San Luis, AZ commercial zone. The Agency is interested in receiving public comments regarding what should constitute the eastern boundary for the FMCSA's commercial zone for the City of El Paso, TX, that would include the new Tornillo-Guadalupe international bridge, port of entry, and public access roads O.T. Smith Road and Texas Farm-to-Market Road 3380 (M.F. Aguilera Highway) to Interstate Highway 10.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently Approved Collection: Driver Qualification Files
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. The Agency's regulations pertaining to the qualification of operators of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are unchanged and impose no increased information-collection (IC) burden on individual drivers and motor carriers. However, the Agency increases its estimate of the total IC burden of these regulations because both the number of CMV drivers and the frequency of their hiring have increased since the Agency's 2012 estimate of this burden.
Electronic Logging Devices Compliance Testing Procedures: Public Listening Session
FMCSA will hold an online public listening session concerning the electronic logging device (ELD) compliance test procedures. This meeting will be a forum for providers of ELDs to give feedback to the Agency on the non-binding procedures used to determine if an ELD meets the specifications of the ELD rulemaking published on December 16, 2015. This online meeting is open to the public for its entirety.
Agency Information Collection Activities; Extension of a Currently-Approved Information Collection Request: Information Technology Services Survey Portal Customer Satisfaction Assessment (formerly COMPASS Portal Consumer Satisfaction Assessment)
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. The collection involves an extension to a currently-approved ICR, and includes the assessment of FMCSA's strategic decision to integrate its Information Technology (IT) with its business processes using portal technology to consolidate its systems and databases through the FMCSA Information Technology Services Survey modernization initiative. The information to be collected will be used to assess the satisfaction of Federal, State, and industry customers with the FMCSA Information Technology Services Survey Portal. The name of the ``COMPASS Portal Customer Satisfaction Assessment,'' ICR was previously changed to ``Information Technology Services Survey Portal Customer Satisfaction Assessment,'' to reflect the need for a broader term than ``COMPASS'' for the portal. On October 27, 2015, FMCSA published a Federal Register notice (80 FR 65847) allowing for a 60-day comment period on this ICR. The agency received no comments in response to that notice.
Hours of Service of Drivers: Farruggio's Express, Application for Exemption
FMCSA announces that it has received an application from Farruggio's Express (Farruggio) for an exemption from timecard requirements for its drivers who may not meet all of the conditions for utilization of the 100 air-mile radius log book exemption in that section. The request would exempt Farruggio's drivers who stay within the 100 air-mile radius, but may occasionally exceed the 12 hour limitation, from having to complete a daily record of duty status (RODS). Farruggio states that its entire fleet of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) is equipped with Global Positioning System (GPS) vehicle tracking devices, which it believes justifies the request for this exemption and provides an equivalent or greater level of safety than would be obtained by complying with the regulations. FMCSA requests public comment on Farruggio's application for exemption.
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; TowMate, LLC Application for an Exemption
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its decision to grant TowMate, LLC's (TowMate) application for a limited two-year exemption to allow motor carriers to operate rechargeable wireless temporary stop, turn, and tail lighting systems during temporary towing operations. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), all required lamps, with the exception of battery-powered lamps used on projecting loads, must be powered by the electrical system of the motor vehicle. The Agency has determined that use of rechargeable wireless temporary stop, turn, and tail lighting systems during temporary towing operations would not have an adverse impact on safety, and use of these systems under the terms and conditions of the exemption would achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulation. This decision is consistent with an August 2005 amendment to the FMCSRs to allow battery powered lamps on the rear of projecting loads.
Motor Carriers of Passengers That Serve Primarily Urban Areas With High Passenger Loads
This request for comments is related to the implementation of a specific provision in section 32707 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21) that requires an annual safety fitness assessment of certain motor carriers of passengers that serve primarily urban areas with high passenger loads. FMCSA requests comments about an appropriate definition of a ``curbside bus operator'' that will be subject to this annual safety fitness assessment and will be consistent with Congressional intent.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
FMCSA confirms its decision to exempt 41 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
FMCSA confirms its decision to exempt 44 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
FMCSA confirms its decision to exempt 54 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Mellitus
FMCSA confirms its decision to exempt 44 individuals from its rule prohibiting persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Narcolepsy
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from two individuals for exemptions from the following two Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) which prohibit operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. Section 391.41(b)(8) of the FMCSRs prohibit operation of a commercial motor vehicle by persons with either a clinical diagnosis of a condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to operate a CMV safely. Section 391.41(b)(9) of the FMCSRs prohibit operation of a commercial motor vehicle by persons with a mental, nervous, organic, functional disease, or psychiatric disorder likely to interfere with his/her ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle safely. If granted, the exemption would enable these individuals who have been diagnosed with narcolepsy and are receiving medical treatment to operate CMVs for 2 years in interstate commerce.
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