[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 56 (Thursday, March 25, 2021)]
[Notices]
[Pages 16018-16020]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-06149]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2003-14223; FMCSA-2005-20027; FMCSA-2009-0054; FMCSA-
2010-0114; FMCSA-2010-0385; FMCSA-2011-0057; FMCSA-2012-0338; FMCSA-
2013-0021; FMCSA-2013-0022; FMCSA-2013-0023; FMCSA-2014-0010; FMCSA-
2014-0302; FMCSA-2016-0028; FMCSA-2016-0206; FMCSA-2019-0008]


Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision

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

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

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions for 17 
individuals from the vision requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) for interstate commercial motor vehicle 
(CMV) drivers. The exemptions enable these individuals to continue to 
operate CMVs in interstate commerce without meeting the vision 
requirements in one eye.

DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions were applicable 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 26, 
2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-2003-14223, Docket No. FMCSA-
2005-20027, Docket No. FMCSA-2009-0054, Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0114, 
Docket No. FMCSA-2010-0385, Docket No. FMCSA-2011-0057, Docket No. 
FMCSA-2012-0338, Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0021, Docket No. FMCSA-2013-
0022, Docket No. FMCSA-2013-0023, Docket No. FMCSA-2014-0010, Docket 
No. FMCSA-2014-0302, Docket No. FMCSA-2016-0028, Docket No. FMCSA-2016-
0206, or Docket No.

[[Page 16019]]

FMCSA-2019-0008 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to www.regulations.gov, 
insert the docket number, FMCSA-2003-14223, FMCSA-2005-20027, FMCSA-
2009-0054, FMCSA-2010-0114, FMCSA-2010-0385, FMCSA-2011-0057, FMCSA-
2012-0338, FMCSA-2013-0021, FMCSA-2013-0022, FMCSA-2013-0023, FMCSA-
2014-0010, FMCSA-2014-0302, FMCSA-2016-0028, FMCSA-2016-0206, FMCSA-
2019-0008 in the keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, sort the 
results by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose the first notice listed, 
and click on the ``Comment'' button. Follow the online instructions for 
submitting comments.
     Mail: Dockets Operations; 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., 
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
     Fax: (202) 493-2251.
    To avoid duplication, please use only one of these four methods. 
See the ``Public Participation'' portion of the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION section for instructions on submitting comments.

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., 
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have 
questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, 
contact Dockets Operations, (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (Docket No. FMCSA-2003-14223; FMCSA-2005-20027; FMCSA-2009-0054, 
FMCSA-2010-0114; FMCSA-2010-0385; FMCSA-2011-0057; FMCSA-2012-0338; 
FMCSA-2013-0021; FMCSA-2013-0022; FMCSA-2013-0023; FMCSA-2014-0010; 
FMCSA-2014-0302; FMCSA-2016-0028; FMCSA-2016-0206; FMCSA-2019-0008), 
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 that FMCSA can contact 
you if there are questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov, insert 
the docket number, FMCSA-2003-14223, FMCSA-2005-20027, FMCSA-2009-0054, 
FMCSA-2010-0114, FMCSA-2010-0385, FMCSA-2011-0057, FMCSA-2012-0338, 
FMCSA-2013-0021, FMCSA-2013-0022, FMCSA-2013-0023, FMCSA-2014-0010, 
FMCSA-2014-0302, FMCSA-2016-0028, FMCSA-2016-0206, or FMCSA-2019-0008 
in the keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, sort the results by 
``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose the first notice listed, click the 
``Comment'' button, and type your comment into the text box on 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.

B. Viewing Comments

    To view comments go to www.regulations.gov. Insert the docket 
number, FMCSA-2003-14223, FMCSA-2005-20027, FMCSA-2009-0054, FMCSA-
2010-0114, FMCSA-2010-0385, FMCSA-2011-0057, FMCSA-2012-0338, FMCSA-
2013-0021, FMCSA-2013-0022, FMCSA-2013-0023, FMCSA-2014-0010, FMCSA-
2014-0302, FMCSA-2016-0028, FMCSA-2016-0206, or FMCSA-2019-0008 in the 
keyword box, and click ``Search.'' Next, sort the results by ``Posted 
(Newer-Older),'' choose the first notice listed, and click ``Browse 
Comments.'' If you do not have access to the internet, you may view the 
docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in Room W12-140 on the 
ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays. To be sure someone is there to 
help you, please call (202) 366-9317 or (202) 366-9826 before visiting 
Dockets Operations.

C. 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.transportation.gov/privacy.

II. Background

    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption 
from the FMCSRs for no longer than a 5-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. The statute also allows the Agency to renew exemptions at 
the end of the 5-year period. FMCSA grants medical exemptions from the 
FMCSRs for a 2-year period to align with the maximum duration of a 
driver's medical certification.
    The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding vision 
found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10) states that a person is physically 
qualified to drive a CMV if that person has distant visual acuity of at 
least 20/40 (Snellen) in each eye without corrective lenses or visual 
acuity separately corrected to 20/40 (Snellen) or better with 
corrective lenses, distant binocular acuity of a least 20/40 (Snellen) 
in both eyes with or without corrective lenses, field of vision of at 
least 70[deg] in the horizontal meridian in each eye, and the ability 
to recognize the colors of traffic signals and devices showing red, 
green, and amber.
    The 17 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of 
their exemptions from the vision standard in Sec.  391.41(b)(10), 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 2-year period.

III. 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

[[Page 16020]]

U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke 
the exemption of a driver.

IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions

    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each of the 17 
applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an 
exemption from the vision standard (see 68 FR 10301, 68 FR 19596, 70 FR 
2701, 70 FR 16886, 70 FR 16887, 72 FR 11425, 72 FR 18726, 74 FR 8842, 
74 FR 11988, 74 FR 11991, 74 FR 21427, 75 FR 34209, 75 FR 47886, 75 FR 
77942, 76 FR 5425, 76 FR 12216, 76 FR 17483, 76 FR 18824, 76 FR 21796, 
76 FR 29024, 77 FR 52388, 77 FR 74731, 78 FR 10251, 78 FR 12811, 78 FR 
12815, 78 FR 14405, 78 FR 14410, 78 FR 18667, 78 FR 20379, 78 FR 22596, 
78 FR 22602, 78 FR 24296, 79 FR 24298, 79 FR 51643, 79 FR 52388, 79 FR 
64001, 80 FR 3723, 80 FR 12248, 80 FR 12251, 80 FR 12254, 80 FR 14220, 
80 FR 15859, 80 FR 16500, 80 FR 16502, 80 FR 16509, 80 FR 20558, 80 FR 
29152, 81 FR 39320, 81 FR 60115, 81 FR 66720, 81 FR 71173, 81 FR 72642, 
81 FR 80161, 81 FR 96165, 82 FR 13043, 82 FR 15277, 82 FR 18818, 82 FR 
18949, 82 FR 23712, 83 FR 34661, 83 FR 56902, 84 FR 2311, 84 FR 2326, 
84 FR 12665, 84 FR 16320, 84 FR 16333, 84 FR 21401, 84 FR 27688). They 
have submitted evidence showing that the vision in the better eye 
continues to meet the requirement specified at Sec.  391.41(b)(10) and 
that the vision impairment is stable. In addition, a review of each 
record of safety while driving with the respective vision deficiencies 
over the past 2 years indicates each applicant continues to meet the 
vision exemption requirements. These factors provide an adequate basis 
for predicting each driver's ability to continue to drive safely in 
interstate commerce. Therefore, FMCSA concludes that extending the 
exemption for each renewal applicant for a period of 2 years is likely 
to achieve a level of safety equal to that existing without the 
exemption.
    In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of May and 
are discussed below. As of May 7, 2021, and in accordance with 49 
U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), the following 15 individuals have 
satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the 
vision requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (68 FR 
10301, 68 FR 19596, 70 FR 2701, 70 FR 16886, 70 FR 16887, 72 FR 11425, 
72 FR 18726, 74 FR 8842, 74 FR 11988, 74 FR 11991, 74 FR 21427, 75 FR 
34209, 75 FR 47886, 75 FR 77942, 76 FR 5425, 76 FR 12216, 76 FR 17483, 
76 FR 21796, 77 FR 52388, 77 FR 74731, 78 FR 10251, 78 FR 12811, 78 FR 
12815, 78 FR 14405, 78 FR 14410, 78 FR 18667, 78 FR 20379, 78 FR 22596, 
78 FR 22602, 78 FR 24296, 79 FR 51643, 79 FR 52388, 79 FR 64001, 80 FR 
3723, 80 FR 12248, 80 FR 12251, 80 FR 12254, 80 FR 14220, 80 FR 15859, 
80 FR 16500, 80 FR 16502, 80 FR 16509, 80 FR 29152, 81 FR 39320, 81 FR 
60115, 81 FR 66720, 81 FR 71173, 81 FR 72642, 81 FR 80161, 81 FR 96165, 
82 FR 13043, 82 FR 15277, 82 FR 18818, 82 FR 18949, 82 FR 23712, 83 FR 
34661, 83 FR 56902, 84 FR 2311, 84 FR 2326, 84 FR 12665, 84 FR 16320, 
84 FR 21401):

Michael L. Bergman (KS)
Keith E. Breeding (IN)
Lee A. Clason (NE)
Ryan E. Cox (WI)
Michael P. Curtin (IL)
David M. Field (NH)
Daryl G. Gibson (FL)
Terry R. Hunt (FL)
Oscar Juarez (ID)
Jose M. Limon-Alvarado (WA)
Eugene R. Lydick (VA)
Steve A. Reece (TN)
Gale L. Smith (PA)
Christopher M. Vincent (NC)
Steven M. Vujicic (IL)

    The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2003-14223, 
FMCSA-2005-20027, FMCSA-2009-0054, FMCSA-2010-0114, FMCSA-2010-0385, 
FMCSA-2012-0338, FMCSA-2013-0021, FMCSA-2013-0022, FMCSA-2013-0023, 
FMCSA-2014-0010, FMCSA-2014-0302, FMCSA-2016-0028, and FMCSA-2016-0206. 
Their exemptions are applicable as of May 7, 2021, and will expire on 
May 7, 2023.
    As of May 19, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b), the following individual has satisfied the renewal conditions 
for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in the FMCSRs 
for interstate CMV drivers (76 FR 18824, 76 FR 29024, 79 FR 24298, 80 
FR 20558, 82 FR 18949, 84 FR 12665):

James O. Cook (GA)

    The driver was included in docket number FMCSA-2011-0057. The 
exemption is applicable as of May 19, 2021, and will expire on May 19, 
2023.
    As of May 21, 2021, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 
31315(b), the following individual has satisfied the renewal conditions 
for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in the FMCSRs 
for interstate CMV drivers (84 FR 16333, 84 FR 27688):

Samuel Sanchez (DE)

    The driver was included in docket number FMCSA-2019-0008. The 
exemption is applicable as of May 21, 2021, and will expire on May 21, 
2023.

V. Conditions and Requirements

    The exemptions are extended subject to the following conditions: 
(1) Each driver must undergo an annual physical examination (a) by an 
ophthalmologist or optometrist who attests that the vision in the 
better eye continues to meet the requirements in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), 
and (b) by a certified medical examiner (ME), as defined by Sec.  
390.5, who attests that the driver is otherwise physically qualified 
under Sec.  391.41; (2) each driver must provide a copy of the 
ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the ME at the time of the 
annual medical examination; and (3) each driver must provide a copy of 
the annual medical certification to the employer for retention in the 
driver's qualification file or keep a copy of his/her driver's 
qualification if he/her is self-employed. 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 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(b).

VI. Preemption

    During the period the exemption is in effect, no State shall 
enforce any law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption with 
respect to a person operating under the exemption.

VI. Conclusion

    Based upon its evaluation of the 17 exemption applications, FMCSA 
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the vision 
requirement in Sec.  391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited 
above. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), each 
exemption will be valid for two years unless revoked earlier by FMCSA.

Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2021-06149 Filed 3-24-21; 8:45 am]
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