[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 45 (Thursday, March 9, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 13187-13190]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-04664]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0213]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of applications for exemptions; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 18 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.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before April 10, 2017. All 
comments will be investigated by FMCSA. The exemptions will be issued 
the day after the comment period closes.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0213 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the on-line instructions for submitting 
comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility; U.S. Department of 
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., West Building Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery: West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Instructions: Each submission must include the Agency name and the 
docket numbers for this notice. Note that all comments received will be 
posted without change to http://www.regulations.gov, including any 
personal information provided. Please see the Privacy Act heading below 
for further information.
    Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or 
comments, go to http://www.regulations.gov at any time or Room W12-140 
on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., 
Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, 
except Federal holidays. The FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 
days each year. If you want acknowledgment that we received your 
comments, please include a self-addressed, stamped envelope or postcard 
or print the acknowledgement page that appears after submitting 
comments on-line.
    Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits 
comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT 
posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information 
the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the 
system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at 
www.dot.gov/privacy.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, 
Medical Programs Division, (202) 366-4001, [email protected], FMCSA, 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64-113, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., e.t., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions 
regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket 
Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for a 2-year period 
if it finds ``such exemption would likely achieve a level of safety 
that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved 
absent such exemption.'' FMCSA can renew exemptions at the end of each 
2-year period. The 18 individuals listed in this notice have each 
requested such an exemption from the vision requirement in 49 CFR 
391.41(b)(10), which applies to drivers of CMVs in interstate commerce. 
Accordingly, the Agency will evaluate the qualifications of each 
applicant to determine whether granting an exemption will achieve the 
required level of safety mandated by statute.

II. Qualifications of Applicants

James M. Demgard

    Mr. Demgard, 49, has a prosthetic left eye due to a traumatic 
incident in 1996. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in 
his left eye, no light perception. Following an examination in 2016, 
his optometrist stated, ``I can certify James has a perfectly normal 
right eye in all aspects to perform the visual tasks required for 
commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Demgard reported that he has driven straight 
trucks for 29 years, accumulating 536,500 miles. He holds an operator's 
license from New Jersey. His driving record for the last 3 years shows 
no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

David L. Erickson

    Mr. Erickson, 66, has had amblyopia in his right eye since birth. 
The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/70, and in

[[Page 13188]]

his left eye, 20/25. Following an examination in 2016, his optometrist 
stated, ``His right eye has been diagnosed with Amblyopia [sic] which 
occurs at birth . . . In my professional opinion, Mr. David Erickson is 
qualified to obtain a commercial drivers [sic] license and safely drive 
a commercial vehicle on any major roadway.'' Mr. Erickson reported that 
he has driven straight trucks for 30 years, accumulating 510,000 miles, 
and tractor-trailer combinations for 30 years, accumulating 1.14 
million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from South Dakota. His driving 
record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for 
moving violations in a CMV.

Ray A. Fields

    Mr. Fields, 64, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. 
The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/25, and in his left eye, 20/
200. Following an examination in 2016, his optometrist stated, ``It is 
my opinion that Ray's eyes and vision are such that he should be 
allowed to continue with a CDL license as required for his present 
job.'' Mr. Fields reported that he has driven straight trucks for 7 
years, accumulating 70,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 
7 years, accumulating 14,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Kansas. 
His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no 
convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Jeffrey L. Gardner

    Mr. Gardner, 51, has aphakia in his right eye due to removal of a 
congenital cataract in childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 
light perception, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination 
in 2016, his optometrist stated, ``Due to the long standing nature and 
stability of the patient's vision deficiency, he should have sufficient 
vision to perform the driving tasks required to operate a commercial 
vehicle.'' Mr. Gardner reported that he has driven straight trucks for 
16 years, accumulating 160,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations 
for 16 years, accumulating 160,000 miles. He holds a Class AM1 CDL from 
California. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes 
and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Thomas A. Grigsby

    Mr. Grigsby, has a macular scar in his right eye due to a traumatic 
incident in 2013. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/250, and in 
his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2016, his 
ophthalmologist stated, ``Based on that evidence, it would support the 
idea that he has sufficient vision to continue driving the commercial 
vehicle that he has done for the last three years without any 
complications that I am aware of.'' Mr. Grigsby reported that he has 
driven tractor-trailer combinations for 7 years, accumulating 875,000 
miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Arkansas. His driving record for the 
last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations 
in a CMV.

Eugene C. Hamilton

    Mr. Hamilton, 47, has had amblyopia in his left eye since 
childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left 
eye, 20/60. Following an examination in 2016, his ophthalmologist 
stated, ``In my opinion, Mr. Hamilton should be able to continue 
operating a commercial vehicle as he has safely for many years. He has 
not had any change in his condition over the last decade.'' Mr. 
Hamilton reported that he has driven straight trucks for 25 years, 
accumulating 1 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from North 
Carolina. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and 
no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Jay A. Harding

    Mr. Harding, 54, has a macular scar in his right eye due to a 
traumatic incident in childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 
20/50, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2016, 
his optometrist stated, ``In my opinion, Mr. Harding has more than 
adequate vision to safely operate a commercial motor vehicle.'' Mr. 
Harding reported that he has driven straight trucks for 3 years, 
accumulating 105,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 28 
years, accumulating 2.8 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Oregon. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and 
one conviction for a moving violation in a CMV; he failed to stop when 
emerging from an alley, driveway, or building.

Melvin L. Hipsley III

    Mr. Hipsley, 54, has had neovascular macular degeneration in his 
left eye since 2013. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and 
in his left eye, 20/60. Following an examination in 2016, his 
optometrist stated, ``It is my medical opinion that Mr. Hipsley has 
sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to continue to 
operate a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Hipsley reported that he has driven 
straight trucks for 30 years, accumulating 1.2 million miles, and 
tractor-trailer combinations for 20 years, accumulating 800,000 miles. 
He holds a Class AM CDL from Maryland. His driving record for the last 
3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a 
CMV.

Charlie E. Hoggard

    Mr. Hoggard, 44, has had a chorioretinal scar in his right eye due 
to a traumatic incident in 1992. The visual acuity in his right eye is 
20/100, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2016, 
his optometrist stated, ``He suffered an explosive injury to his eye 
approximately 24 years ago, leaving him with a Chorioretinal Scar 
overlying the macula. At this time, Mr. Hoggard does not display any 
inability to operate a commercial vehicle due to his sustained injury 
from military service.'' Mr. Hoggard reported that he has driven 
straight trucks for 24 years, accumulating 1.25 million miles, tractor-
trailer combinations for 24 years, accumulating 1.25 million miles, and 
buses for 12 years, accumulating 180,000 miles. He holds a Class A CDL 
from Texas. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes 
and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Richard S. Huzzard

    Mr. Huzzard, 75, has had macular degeneration in his right eye 
since 2013. The visual acuity in his right eye is light perception, and 
in his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2016, his 
optometrist stated, ``This certifies that in my medical opinion, mr. 
Huzzard has sufficient vision to perform the driving tasks required to 
operate a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Huzzard reported that he has driven 
straight trucks for 45 years, accumulating 495,000 miles, and tractor-
trailer combinations for 45 years, accumulating 729,000 miles. He holds 
a Class AM CDL from Pennsylvania. His driving record for the last 3 
years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a 
CMV.

Kenneth E. Lewis

    Mr. Lewis, 56, has had a dense corneal scar in his right eye since 
1998. The visual acuity in his right eye is no light perception, and in 
his left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2016, his optometrist 
stated, ``Assuming the results for the visual field examination is 
normal in the left eye, it is my opinion that Mr. Lewis possesses 
sufficient vision in the left eye to safely operate a commercial 
vehicle.'' Mr. Lewis reported that he has driven straight trucks for 3 
years, accumulating 226,080 miles. He holds a Class A CDL from 
California. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes 
and no

[[Page 13189]]

convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

George J. Paxson, III

    Mr. Paxson, 60, has had amblyopia in his left eye since childhood. 
The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/20, and in his left eye, 20/
200. Following an examination in 2016, his ophthalmologist stated, 
``This patient has strabismic amblyopia and exotropia in the left eye 
which has been stable for several decades. Based on this fact, it is my 
medical opinion that he has sufficient vision to perform the driving 
tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Paxson reported 
that he has driven straight trucks for 39 years, accumulating 711,750 
miles. He holds an operator's license from Delaware. His driving record 
for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving 
violations in a CMV.

Harlie C. Perryman, III

    Mr. Perryman, 54, has a corneal scar in his left eye due to a 
traumatic incident in childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 
20/20, and in his left eye, light perception. Following an examination 
in 2016, his ophthalmologist stated, ``Vision in Right Eye is 20/20 
meeting requirements to operate a commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Perryman 
reported that he has driven straight trucks for 25 years, accumulating 
575,000 miles. He holds an operator's license from Florida. His driving 
record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for 
moving violations in a CMV.

Menno H. Reiff

    Mr. Reiff, 55, has had amblyopia in his right eye since childhood. 
The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/200, and in his left eye, 20/
20. Following an examination in 2016, his optometrist stated, ``He 
would be absolutely safe to drive a commercial vehicle and to see 
traffic signals. He does not have any limitations from his vision 
because of his amblyopia whatsoever.'' Mr. Reiff reported that he has 
driven straight trucks for 6 years, accumulating 48,000 miles and 
tractor-trailer combinations for 24 years, accumulating 768,000 miles. 
He holds a Class A CDL from Pennsylvania. His driving record for the 
last 3 years shows no crashes but two convictions in a CMV, one for an 
improper turn, and one for speeding; he exceeded the speed limit by 5 
mph.

Steven R. Richter, Jr.

    Mr. Richter, 42, has had amblyopia in his right eye since 
childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/100, and in his 
left eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2016, his optometrist 
stated, ``Stable vision in right eye since 1998. It is my medical 
opinion that Steve is safe to perform the driving tasks required to 
commercial operate a motor vehicle.'' Mr. Richter reported that he has 
driven straight trucks for 22 years, accumulating 110,000 miles and 
tractor-trailer combinations for 22 years, accumulating 220,000 miles. 
He holds a Class A CDL from Minnesota. His driving record for the last 
3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a 
CMV.

Robert R. Schwabe

    Mr. Schwabe, 43, has had a retinal hamartoma in his right eye since 
2007. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/100, and in his left 
eye, 20/20. Following an examination in 2016, his optometrist stated, 
``In my opinion, Mr. Schwabe's visual capabilities are sufficient to 
perform the visual tasks required to operate a commercial vehicle.'' 
Mr. Schwabe reported that he has driven straight trucks for 2 years, 
accumulating 1,000 miles, and tractor-trailer combinations for 19 
years, accumulating 1.9 million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from 
Washington. His driving record for the last 3 years shows no crashes 
and no convictions for moving violations in a CMV.

Phillip Shelburne

    Mr. Shelburne, 32, has a retinal detachment in his left eye due to 
a traumatic incident in childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye 
is light perception, and in his left eye, 20/20. Following an 
examination in 2016, his optometrist stated, ``He has a history of 
decreased vision in the right eye secondary to trauma 30 years ago . . 
. in my medical opinion he will have no difficulties operating a 
commercial vehicle.'' Mr. Shelburne reported that he has driven 
tractor-trailer combinations for 8 years, accumulating 400,000 miles. 
He holds a Class A CDL from Texas. His driving record for the last 3 
years shows no crashes and no convictions for moving violations in a 
CMV.

Wade C. Uhlir

    Mr. Uhlir, 42, has had a prosthetic left eye due to anophthalmia 
since childhood. The visual acuity in his right eye is 20/30, and in 
his left eye, no light perception. Following an examination in 2016, 
his optometrist stated, ``Based on the vision testing as of July 20, 
2016, he can safely perform the driving visual tasks required to 
operate a commercial motor vehicle.'' Mr. Uhlir reported that he has 
driven tractor-trailer combinations for 14 years, accumulating 1.82 
million miles. He holds a Class A CDL from Minnesota. His driving 
record for the last 3 years shows no crashes and no convictions for 
moving violations in a CMV.

III. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and 
related materials.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice, indicate the specific section of this document to which each 
comment applies, and provide a reason for each suggestion or 
recommendation. You may submit your comments and material online or by 
fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only one of these means. 
FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a mailing address, an 
email address, or a phone number in the body of your document so the 
Agency can contact you if it has questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to http://www.regulations.gov and 
put the docket number FMCSA-2016-0213 in the ``Keyword'' box, and click 
``Search. When the new screen appears, click on ``Comment Now!'' button 
and type your comment into the text box in the following screen. Choose 
whether you are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf 
of a third party and then submit. If you submit your comments by mail 
or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/
2\ by 11 inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you 
submit comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the 
facility, please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or 
envelope.
    FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the 
comment period. FMCSA may issue a final determination at any time after 
the close of the comment period.

Viewing Comments and Documents

    To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble 
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov and 
insert the docket number FMCSA-2016-0213 in the ``Keyword'' box and 
click ``Search.'' Next, click ``Open Docket Folder'' button and choose 
the document listed to review. If you do not have access to the 
Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket 
Management Facility in Room W12-140 on the ground floor of the DOT West 
Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590,

[[Page 13190]]

between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays.

     Issued on: February 28, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
 Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-04664 Filed 3-8-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P