Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision |
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Larry W. Minor
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
9 November 2018
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 218 (Friday, November 9, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 56143-56146]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2018-24552]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-2000-7165; FMCSA-2000-7363; FMCSA-
2002-12294; FMCSA-2004-18885; FMCSA-2008-0174; FMCSA-2008-0231; FMCSA-
2008-0266; FMCSA-2008-0292; FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-2010-0114; FMCSA-
2010-0161; FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2011-0276; FMCSA-2012-0160; FMCSA-
2012-0214; FMCSA-2012-0279; FMCSA-2012-0280; FMCSA-2013-0169; FMCSA-
2013-0174; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0007; FMCSA-2014-0011; FMCSA-
2014-0296; FMCSA-2014-0298; FMCSA-2015-0344; FMCSA-2016-0025; FMCSA-
2016-0027; FMCSA-2016-0031; FMCSA-2016-0033; FMCSA-2016-0207; FMCSA-
2016-0208; FMCSA-2016-0210; FMCSA-2016-0212]
Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Vision
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 67
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 December
10, 2018.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by the Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Docket No. FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-2000-7165;
FMCSA-2000-7363; FMCSA-2002-12294; FMCSA-2004-18885; FMCSA-2008-0174;
FMCSA-2008-0231; FMCSA-2008-0266; FMCSA-2008-0292; FMCSA-2010-0082;
FMCSA-2010-0114; FMCSA-2010-0161; FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2011-0276;
FMCSA-2012-0160; FMCSA-2012-0214; FMCSA-2012-0279; FMCSA-2012-0280;
FMCSA-2013-0169; FMCSA-2013-0174; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0007;
FMCSA-2014-0011; FMCSA-2014-0296; FMCSA-2014-0298; FMCSA-2015-0344;
FMCSA-2016-0025; FMCSA-2016-0027; FMCSA-2016-0031; FMCSA-2016-0033;
FMCSA-2016-0207; FMCSA-2016-0208; FMCSA-2016-0210; FMCSA-2016-0212
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.,
ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal Holidays.
Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
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, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, 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 Docket Services, telephone (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-1998-4334; FMCSA-2000-7165; FMCSA-2000-7363;
FMCSA-2002-12294; FMCSA-2004-18885; FMCSA-2008-0174; FMCSA-2008-0231;
FMCSA-2008-0266; FMCSA-2008-0292; FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-2010-0114;
FMCSA-2010-0161; FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2011-0276; FMCSA-2012-0160;
FMCSA-2012-0214; FMCSA-2012-0279; FMCSA-2012-0280; FMCSA-2013-0169;
FMCSA-2013-0174; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0007; FMCSA-2014-0011;
FMCSA-2014-0296; FMCSA-2014-0298; FMCSA-2015-0344; FMCSA-2016-0025;
FMCSA-2016-0027; FMCSA-2016-0031; FMCSA-2016-0033; FMCSA-2016-0207;
FMCSA-2016-0208; FMCSA-2016-0210; FMCSA-2016-0212), 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 http://www.regulations.gov,
put the docket number, FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-2000-7165; FMCSA-2000-
7363; FMCSA-2002-12294; FMCSA-2004-18885; FMCSA-2008-0174; FMCSA-2008-
0231; FMCSA-2008-0266; FMCSA-2008-0292; FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-2010-
0114; FMCSA-2010-0161; FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2011-0276; FMCSA-2012-
0160; FMCSA-2012-0214; FMCSA-2012-0279; FMCSA-2012-0280; FMCSA-2013-
0169; FMCSA-2013-0174; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0007; FMCSA-2014-
0011; FMCSA-2014-0296; FMCSA-2014-0298; FMCSA-2015-0344; FMCSA-2016-
0025; FMCSA-2016-0027; FMCSA-2016-0031; FMCSA-2016-0033; FMCSA-2016-
0207; FMCSA-2016-0208; FMCSA-2016-0210; FMCSA-2016-0212, in the keyword
box, and click ``Search.'' When the new screen appears, click on the
``Comment Now!'' 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.
[[Page 56144]]
FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the
comment period.
B. Viewing Documents and Comments
To view comments, as well as any documents mentioned in this notice
as being available in the docket, go to http://www.regulations.gov.
Insert the docket number, FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-2000-7165; FMCSA-2000-
7363; FMCSA-2002-12294; FMCSA-2004-18885; FMCSA-2008-0174; FMCSA-2008-
0231; FMCSA-2008-0266; FMCSA-2008-0292; FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-2010-
0114; FMCSA-2010-0161; FMCSA-2010-0187; FMCSA-2011-0276; FMCSA-2012-
0160; FMCSA-2012-0214; FMCSA-2012-0279; FMCSA-2012-0280; FMCSA-2013-
0169; FMCSA-2013-0174; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-2014-0007; FMCSA-2014-
0011; FMCSA-2014-0296; FMCSA-2014-0298; FMCSA-2015-0344; FMCSA-2016-
0025; FMCSA-2016-0027; FMCSA-2016-0031; FMCSA-2016-0033; FMCSA-2016-
0207; FMCSA-2016-0208; FMCSA-2016-0210; FMCSA-2016-0212, in the keyword
box, and click ``Search.'' Next, click the ``Open Docket Folder''
button and choose the document 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, between 9
a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
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.dot.gov/privacy.
II. Background
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA may grant an exemption
for five years if it finds that 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 five-year period. FMCSA
grants exemptions from the FMCSRs for a two-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 67 individuals listed in this notice have requested renewal of
their exemptions from the vision standard in 49 CFR 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 two-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 U.S.C.
31136(e) and 31315, FMCSA will take immediate steps to revoke the
exemption of a driver.
IV. Basis for Renewing Exemptions
Under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b)(1), an exemption may be granted for no
longer than five years from its approval date and may be renewed upon
application. FMCSA grants exemptions from the vision standard for a
two-year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver's
medical certification. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315,
each of the 67 applicants has satisfied the renewal conditions for
obtaining an exemption from the vision standard (see 63 FR 66227; 64 FR
16520; 65 FR 33406; 65 FR 45817; 65 FR 57234; 65 FR 77066; 67 FR 46016;
67 FR 57266; 67 FR 57627; 67 FR 71610; 69 FR 51346; 69 FR 52741; 69 FR
53493; 69 FR 62742; 69 FR 64810; 71 FR 50970; 71 FR 53489; 71 FR 62148;
71 FR 66217; 73 FR 38497; 73 FR 46973; 73 FR 48273; 73 FR 51336; 73 FR
51689; 73 FR 54888; 73 FR 61922; 73 FR 61925; 73 FR 63047; 73 FR 74565;
73 FR 75807; 75 FR 25918; 75 FR 34209; 75 FR 39725; 75 FR 39729; 75 FR
44051; 75 FR 47883; 75 FR 47886; 75 FR 52062; 75 FR 52063; 75 FR 61833;
75 FR 63257; 75 FR 64396; 75 FR 77949; 76 FR 67248; 76 FR 79761; 77 FR
36338; 77 FR 38381; 77 FR 46153; 77 FR 46793; 77 FR 51846; 77 FR 52388;
77 FR 52389; 77 FR 56262; 77 FR 59245; 77 FR 60008; 77 FR 60010; 77 FR
64582; 77 FR 64839; 77 FR 68202; 77 FR 71671; 77 FR 75494; 78 FR 64274;
78 FR 76705; 78 FR 77778; 79 FR 1908; 79 FR 14333; 79 FR 14571; 79 FR
28588; 79 FR 35220; 79 FR 38659; 79 FR 41740; 79 FR 46153; 79 FR 46300;
79 FR 52388; 79 FR 53514; 79 FR 56099; 79 FR 56104; 79 FR 58856; 79 FR
65759; 79 FR 65760; 79 FR 69985; 79 FR 70928; 79 FR 72754; 79 FR 73393;
80 FR 8927; 80 FR 76345; 81 FR 21647; 81 FR 26305; 81 FR 52514; 81 FR
59266; 81 FR 66724; 81 FR 68098; 81 FR 70248; 81 FR 70253; 81 FR 71173;
81 FR 72664; 81 FR 74494; 81 FR 80161; 81 FR 81230; 81 FR 86063; 81 FR
90046; 81 FR 90050; 81 FR 94013; 81 FR 96180; 81 FR 96191; 82 FR
12683). They have submitted evidence showing that the vision in the
better eye continues to meet the requirement specified at 49 CFR
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 two 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 two 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, the following
groups of drivers received renewed exemptions in the month of December
and are discussed below. As of December 3, 2018, and in accordance with
49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the following 38 individuals have
satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the
vision requirement in the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (63 FR
66227; 64 FR 16520; 65 FR 33406; 65 FR 57234; 67 FR 46016; 67 FR 57266;
67 FR 57627; 69 FR 51346; 69 FR 52741; 71 FR 50970; 71 FR 53489; 73 FR
38497; 73 FR 46973; 73 FR 48273; 73 FR 51336; 73 FR 51689; 73 FR 54888;
73 FR 63047; 73 FR 75807; 75 FR 25918; 75 FR 34209; 75 FR 39725; 75 FR
39729; 75 FR 44051; 75 FR 47883; 75 FR 47886; 75 FR 52062; 75 FR 52063;
75 FR 61833; 75 FR 63257; 75 FR 64396; 76 FR 67248; 76 FR 79761; 77 FR
36338; 77 FR 38381; 77 FR 46153; 77 FR 46793; 77 FR 51846; 77 FR 52388;
77 FR 52389; 77 FR 56262; 77 FR 59245; 77 FR 60008; 77 FR 60010; 77 FR
64582;
[[Page 56145]]
77 FR 71671; 78 FR 64274; 78 FR 76705; 78 FR 77778; 79 FR 1908; 79 FR
14333; 79 FR 14571; 79 FR 28588; 79 FR 35220; 79 FR 38659; 79 FR 41740;
79 FR 46153; 79 FR 46300; 79 FR 52388; 79 FR 53514; 79 FR 56099; 79 FR
56104; 79 FR 58856; 79 FR 65760; 79 FR 70928; 79 FR 72754; 80 FR 76345;
81 FR 21647; 81 FR 26305; 81 FR 52514; 81 FR 59266; 81 FR 66724; 81 FR
68098; 81 FR 70248; 81 FR 70253; 81 FR 71173; 81 FR 72664; 81 FR 74494;
81 FR 80161; 81 FR 81230; 81 FR 90046; 81 FR 90050; 81 FR 94013; 81 FR
96180; 81 FR 96191):
Gary R. Andersen (NE)
Theodore N. Belcher (VA)
Daniel S. Billig (MN)
Thomas A. Black (MO)
Robert S. Bowen (GA)
Brian E. Broux (CA)
John M. Brown (KY)
Tracy L. Butcher (VA)
Jonathan E. Carriaga (NM)
Irvin L. Eaddy (SC)
Terry J. Edwards (MO)
Stephen R. Ehlenburg (IL)
Frank J. Faria (CA)
Christopher K. Foot (NV)
Claudia E. Gerez-Betancourt (TX)
Billy R. Gibbs (MD)
Samuel R. Graziano (PA)
Tyrane Harper (AL)
Christopher M. Keen (KS)
Theodore Kirby (MD)
Johnny Montemayor (TX)
Derrick P. Moore (MN)
Richard L. Moores (CO)
Aaron F. Naylor (PA)
Billy R. Oguynn (AL)
Ronald W. Patten (ME)
Benny D. Patterson (OH)
Alexander L. Resh (PA)
David T. Rueckert (WA)
Benito Saldana (TX)
Daniel Salinas (OR)
Kenneth D. Sisk (NC)
Sherman L. Taylor (FL)
Richard T. Traigle (LA)
Melvin V. Van Meter (PA)
Emejildo M. Vargas (NH)
Christopher M. Vincent (NC)
Wilbert Walden (NC)
The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-1998-4334; FMCSA-
2000-7165; FMCSA-2002-12294; FMCSA-2008-0174; FMCSA-2008-0231; FMCSA-
2008-0266; FMCSA-2010-0082; FMCSA-2010-0114; FMCSA-2010-0161; FMCSA-
2010-0187; FMCSA-2011-0276; FMCSA-2012-0160; FMCSA-2012-0214; FMCSA-
2012-0279; FMCSA-2013-0169; FMCSA-2013-0174; FMCSA-2014-0003; FMCSA-
2014-0007; FMCSA-2014-0011; FMCSA-2014-0296; FMCSA-2015-0344; FMCSA-
2016-0025; FMCSA-2016-0027; FMCSA-2016-0031; FMCSA-2016-0033; FMCSA-
2016-0207; FMCSA-2016-0208; FMCSA-2016-0210. Their exemptions are
applicable as of December 3, 2018, and will expire on December 3, 2020.
As of December 8, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (65 FR 45817; 65 FR 77066; 67 FR
71610; 69 FR 53493; 69 FR 62742; 69 FR 64810; 71 FR 62148; 71 FR 66217;
73 FR 61922; 73 FR 61925; 73 FR 74565; 75 FR 77949; 77 FR 68202; 79 FR
65759; 81 FR 96180):
Ronald W. Garner (WA)
Wayne R. Mantela (KY)
Carl M. McIntire (OH)
Bernice R. Parnell (NC)
Patrick W. Shea (MA)
Roy F. Varnado, Jr. (LA)
Michael J. Welle (MN)
The drivers were included in docket numbers FMCSA-2000-7363; FMCSA-
2004-18885; FMCSA-2008-0292. Their exemptions are applicable as of
December 8, 2018, and will expire on December 8, 2020.
As of December 20, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following five individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (77 FR 64839; 77 FR 75494; 79 FR
73393; 81 FR 96180):
Ronald J. Bergman (OH)
Noah E. Bowen (OH)
Lawrence D. Malecha (MN)
Jerry M. Puckett (OH)
Emin Toric (GA)
The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2012-0280. Their
exemptions are applicable as of December 20, 2018, and will expire on
December 20, 2020.
As of December 25, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following seven individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (79 FR 69985; 80 FR 8927; 81 FR
96180):
Thurman T. Clayton (LA)
Tig G. Cornell (ID)
Jon R. Davidson (CO)
Edwin T. Donaldson (PA)
Keith C. Lendt (MN)
Joseph McTear (TX)
Daniel R. Thompson (PA)
The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2014-0298. Their
exemptions are applicable as of December 25, 2018, and will expire on
December 25, 2020.
As of December 30, 2018, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e)
and 31315, the following ten individuals have satisfied the renewal
conditions for obtaining an exemption from the vision requirement in
the FMCSRs for interstate CMV drivers (81 FR 86063; 82 FR 96180):
Brian T. Castoldi (CT)
Willie George (NY)
David E. Goff (MA)
Michal Golebiowski (IL)
Loyd F. Hovey (NY)
George T. Huffman (IL)
Julio Rivera (FL)
Willie J. Smith (TX)
John D. Stork (IL)
James R. Wagner (IL)
The drivers were included in docket number FMCSA-2016-0212. Their
exemptions are applicable as of December 30, 2018, and will expire on
December 30, 2020.
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, as defined by 49 CFR 390.5,
who attests that the driver is otherwise physically qualified under 49
CFR 391.41; (2) each driver must provide a copy of the
ophthalmologist's or optometrist's report to the Medical Examiner 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.
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.
[[Page 56146]]
VI. Conclusion
Based upon its evaluation of the 67 exemption applications, FMCSA
renews the exemptions of the aforementioned drivers from the vision
requirement in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(10), subject to the requirements cited
above. 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: November 1, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-24552 Filed 11-8-18; 8:45 am]
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