[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 59 (Wednesday, March 29, 2017)]
[Notices]
[Pages 15552-15554]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2017-06181]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0124; FMCSA-2014-0103; FMCSA-2014-0106; FMCSA-
2014-0102; FMCSA-2014-0105; FMCSA-2014-0107; FMCSA-2014-1004]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Hearing

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

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 31 
individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle 
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf 
individuals to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.

DATES: The renewed exemptions were effective on the dates stated in the 
discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the 
discussions below. Comments must be received on or before April 28, 
2017.

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 W64-224, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. Office hours are from 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.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0124; FMCSA-2014-0103; 
FMCSA-2014-0106; FMCSA-2014-0102; FMCSA-2014-0105; FMCSA-2014-0107; 
FMCSA-2014-0104 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the online 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 number(s) 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 online.
    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 http://www.regulations.gov, as described in 
the system of records notice (DOT/ALL-14 FDMS), which can be reviewed 
at http://www.dot.gov/privacy.

I. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption 
for two years 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.'' The statute also allows the Agency to 
renew exemptions at the end of the two-year period.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding hearing 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person:

    First perceives a forced whispered voice in the better ear at 
not less than 5 feet with or without the use of a hearing aid or, if 
tested by use of an audiometric device, does not have an average 
hearing loss in the better ear greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 
1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz with or without a hearing aid

[[Page 15553]]

when the audiometric device is calibrated to American National 
Standard (formerly ASA Standard) Z24.5--1951.

    49 CFR 391.41(b)(11) was adopted in 1970, with a revision in 1971 
to allow drivers to be qualified under this standard while wearing a 
hearing aid, 35 FR 6458, 6463 (April 22, 1970) and 36 FR 12857 (July 3, 
1971).
    The 31 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), in 
accordance with FMCSA procedures. Accordingly, FMCSA has evaluated 
these applications for renewal on their merits and decided to extend 
each exemption for a renewable two-year period.

II. Request for Comments

    Interested parties or organizations possessing information that 
would otherwise show that any, or all, of these drivers are not 
currently achieving the statutory level of safety should immediately 
notify FMCSA. The Agency will evaluate any adverse evidence submitted 
and, if safety is being compromised or if continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the 
exemption of a driver.

III. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no 
longer than two years from its approval date and may be renewed upon 
application. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each of 
the twelve applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for 
obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement (80 FR 57032; 80 FR 
60747). In addition, for Commercial Driver's License (CDL) holders, the 
Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) and the Motor 
Carrier Management Information System (MCMIS) are searched for crash 
and violation data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency reviews the driving 
records from the State Driver's Licensing Agency (SDLA). These factors 
provide an adequate basis for predicting each driver's ability to 
continue to safely operate a CMV in interstate commerce.
    The 31 drivers in this notice remain in good standing with the 
Agency and have not exhibited any medical issues that would compromise 
their ability to safely operate a CMV during the previous two-year 
exemption period. FMCSA has concluded that renewing the exemptions for 
each of these applicants is likely to achieve a level of safety equal 
to that existing without the exemption. Therefore, FMCSA has decided to 
renew each exemption for a two-year period. In accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, each driver has received a renewed 
exemption.
    As of March 3, 2017, the following 7 individuals have satisfied the 
renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in interstate 
commerce (80 FR 60747):

Kevin Ballard (TX)
Scott Friede (NE)
Jeremiah Hoagland (CO)
Kimothy McLoed (GA)
Victor Morales (TX)
Branden Veronie (LA)
Anthony Witcher (MI)

    The drivers were included in FMCSA-2014-0106. The exemptions were 
effective on March 3, 2017, and will expire on March 3, 2019.
    As of March 10, 2017, David Helgreson (WI) and Susan Helgreson (WI) 
have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from 
the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in 
interstate commerce (80 FR 18924).
    The drivers were included in FMCSA-2014-0124. The exemptions were 
effective on March 10, 2017, and will expire on March 10, 2019.
    As of March 13, 2017, the following 5 individuals have satisfied 
the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing 
requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving CMVs in interstate 
commerce (80 FR 57029):

Thomas Bertling (OR)
John Huey Jr. (AZ)
Scott Putman (PA)
Christopher Warner (NY)
Paul Langois (OH)

    The drivers were included in FMCSA-2014-0107. The exemptions were 
effective on March 13, 2017, and will expire on March 13, 2019.
    On March 19, 2017, Jesse Shelander (TX) has satisfied the renewal 
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving in interstate commerce (80 FR 
57032). The driver was included in FMCSA-2014-0103. The exemption was 
effective on March 19, 2017, and will expire on March 19, 2019.
    As of March 29, 2017, the following 7 drivers have satisfied the 
renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the hearing 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving in interstate 
commerce (80 FR 18924):

Richard Boggs (OH)
Conley Bowling (KY)
Kareem Douglas (OH)
Danny Fisk (CO)
Kenneth Frilando (NY)
Kenneth Harris (TX)
Victor Robinson (LA)

    The drivers were included in FMCSA-2014-0124. The exemptions were 
effective on March 29, 2017, and will expire on March 29, 2019.
    As of March 29, 2017, Robert Parrish (NV) and Nathaniel Godfrey 
(KY) have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption 
from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving in 
interstate commerce (80 FR 57032). The drivers were included in FMCSA-
2014-0103. The exemptions were effective on March 29, 2017 and will 
expire on March 29, 2019.
    As of March 29, 2017 Weston Arthurs (CA) and Floyd McClain (FL) 
have satisfied the hearing requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from 
driving in interstate commerce (80 FR 60741). The drivers were included 
in FMCSA-2014-0106. The exemptions were effective on March 29, 2017, 
and expire on March 29, 2019.
    As of March 29, 2017, Timothy Laporte (NY) has satisfied renewal 
requirements for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving in interstate commerce (80 FR 
22768). The driver was included in FMCSA-2014-0102. The exemption was 
effective on March 29, 2017, and will expire March 29, 2019.
    As of March 29, 20017, Steven Levine (MN) and Bruce Walker (NY) 
have satisfied the renewal requirements for obtaining an exemption from 
the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving in 
interstate commerce (80 FR 60735). The drivers were included in FMCSA-
2014-0105. The exemptions were effective on March 29, 2017, and expire 
on March 29, 2019.
    As of March 29, 2017, Kirk Soneson (OH) has satisfied the renewal 
requirements for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving in interstate commerce (80 FR 
57029). The driver was included in FMCSA-2014-0107. The exemption was 
effective on March 29, 2017, and will expire on March 29, 2019.
    As of March 29, 2017, Brandon Lango (TX) has satisfied the renewal 
requirements for obtaining an exemption from the hearing requirement in 
49 CFR 391.41(b)(11), from driving in interstate commerce (80 FR 
60747). The driver was included in FMCSA-2014-0104. The exemption was 
effective on March 29, 2017, and will expire on March 29, 2019.

[[Page 15554]]

IV. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) Each driver must report any crashes or accidents as defined in 49 
CFR 390.5; and (2) report all citations and convictions for 
disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR part 383 and 49 CFR 391 to FMCSA. 
In addition, the driver must also have a copy of the exemption when 
driving, for presentation to a duly authorized Federal, State, or local 
enforcement official. The driver is prohibited from operating a 
motorcoach or bus with passengers in interstate commerce. The exemption 
does not exempt the individual from meeting the applicable CDL testing 
requirements. Each exemption will be valid for two years unless 
rescinded earlier by FMCSA. The exemption will be rescinded if: (1) The 
person fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; 
(2) the exemption has resulted in a lower level of safety than was 
maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption 
would not be consistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315.

IV. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 32 exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the hearing 
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11). In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 
31136(e) and 31315, each exemption will be valid for two years unless 
revoked earlier by FMCSA.

    Issued on: March 22, 2017.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2017-06181 Filed 3-28-17; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P