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Incorporation by Reference; North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria; Hazardous Materials Safety Permits Publication: Federal Register Agency: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Byline: Sue Lawless Date: 3 May 2024 Subjects: American Government  , Safety, Trucking
Topic: Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance |
[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 87 (Friday, May 3, 2024)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 36742-36748]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-09357]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 385
[Docket No. FMCSA-2024-0073]
RIN 2126-AC65
Incorporation by Reference; North American Standard Out-of-
Service Criteria; Hazardous Materials Safety Permits
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: FMCSA proposes amendments to its Hazardous Materials Safety
Permits (HMSPs) regulations to incorporate by reference the updated
Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) handbook containing
inspection procedures and Out-of-Service Criteria (OOSC) for
inspections of shipments of transuranic waste and highway route-
controlled quantities (HRCQs) of radioactive material (RAM). The OOSC
provide enforcement personnel nationwide, including FMCSA's State
partners, with uniform enforcement tolerances for inspections.
Currently, the regulations reference the April 1, 2023, edition of the
handbook. Through this notice, FMCSA proposes to incorporate by
reference the April 1, 2024, edition.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before June 3, 2024.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Docket Number FMCSA-
2024-0073 using any of the following methods:
Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2024-0073/document. Follow the online
instructions for submitting comments.
Mail: Dockets Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
Hand Delivery or Courier: Dockets Operations, U.S.
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building,
Ground Floor, Washington, DC 20590-0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.,
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.
Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Viewing incorporation by reference material: You may inspect the
material proposed for incorporation by reference at the National
Transportation Library, DOT, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590-0001 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except
Federal holidays. The telephone number is (202) 366-1812. Copies of the
material are available as indicated in the ``Incorporation by
Reference'' section of this preamble.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: David Sutula, Vehicle and Roadside
Operations Division, FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC
20590-0001, (202) 366-9209, david.sutula@dot.gov. If you have questions
on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Dockets
Operations, (202) 366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FMCSA organizes this notice of proposed
rulemaking (NPRM) as follows:
I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
A. Submitting Comments
B. Viewing Comments and Documents
C. Privacy
II. Executive Summary
III. Abbreviations
IV. Legal Basis
V. Background
VI. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis
VIII. Regulatory Analyses
A. E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O. 13563
(Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), E.O. 14094
(Modernizing Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures
B. Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
D. Assistance for Small Entities
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
F. Paperwork Reduction Act
G. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
H. Privacy
I. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
J. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
K. Rulemaking Summary
I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
A. Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
NPRM (FMCSA-2024-0073), indicate the specific section of this document
to which your 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 FMCSA
can
[[Page 36743]]
contact you if there are questions regarding your submission.
To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2024-0073/document, click on this NPRM, click ``Comment,''
and type your comment into the text box on the following screen.
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.
FMCSA will consider all comments and material received during the
comment period.
Confidential Business Information (CBI)
CBI is commercial or financial information that is both customarily
and actually treated as private by its owner. Under the Freedom of
Information Act (5 U.S.C. 552), CBI is exempt from public disclosure.
If your comments responsive to the NPRM contain commercial or financial
information that is customarily treated as private, that you actually
treat as private, and that is relevant or responsive to the NPRM, it is
important that you clearly designate the submitted comments as CBI.
Please mark each page of your submission that constitutes CBI as
``PROPIN'' to indicate it contains proprietary information. FMCSA will
treat such marked submissions as confidential under the Freedom of
Information Act, and they will not be placed in the public docket of
the NPRM. Submissions containing CBI should be sent to Brian Dahlin,
Chief, Regulatory Evaluation Division, Office of Policy, FMCSA, 1200
New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001 or via email at
brian.g.dahlin@dot.gov. At this time, you need not send a duplicate
hardcopy of your electronic CBI submissions to FMCSA headquarters. Any
comments FMCSA receives not specifically designated as CBI will be
placed in the public docket for this rulemaking.
B. Viewing Comments and Documents
To view any documents mentioned as being available in the docket,
go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2024-0073/document and
choose the document to review. To view comments, click this NPRM, then
click ``Browse Comments.'' If you do not have access to the internet,
you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations in 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., 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
In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the
public to better inform its regulatory process. DOT posts these
comments, including any personal information the commenter provides, to
www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice DOT/
ALL 14 (Federal Docket Management System (FDMS)), which can be reviewed
at https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/privacy/privacy-act-system-records-notices. The comments are posted without edit and are
searchable by the name of the submitter.
II. Executive Summary
This NPRM proposes to update an incorporation by reference found at
49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 385.4(b)(1) and referenced at
Sec. 385.415(b). The provision at Sec. 385.4(b)(1) currently
references the April 1, 2023, edition of CVSA's handbook titled ``North
American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria and Level VI Inspection
Procedures and Out-of-Service Criteria for Commercial Highway Vehicles
Transporting Transuranics and Highway Route Controlled Quantities of
Radioactive Materials as defined in 49 CFR part 173.403.'' The CVSA
handbook contains inspection procedures and OOSC for inspections of
shipments of transuranic waste and HRCQs of RAM. The OOSC, while not
regulations, provide enforcement personnel nationwide, including
FMCSA's State partners, with uniform enforcement tolerances for
inspections. The material is available, and will continue to be
available, for inspection at the FMCSA, Office of Safety, 1200 New
Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590 (Attention: Chief, Hazardous
Materials Division) at (202) 493-0027. The document may be purchased
from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance 99 M Street SE, Suite 1025,
Washington, DC 20003, 202-998-1002, www.cvsa.org.
In this NPRM, FMCSA proposes to incorporate by reference the April
1, 2024, edition of the handbook. This NPRM will discuss all updates to
the currently incorporated 2023 edition of the handbook.
Eleven updates distinguish the April 1, 2024, handbook edition from
the April 1, 2023, edition. The incorporation by reference of the 2024
edition does not impose new regulatory requirements.
III. Abbreviations
ATIS Automatic Tire Inflation Systems
CBI Confidential Business Information
CDL Commercial Driver's License
CE Categorical Exclusion
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CLP Commercial Learner's Permit
CVSA Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance
DACH Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
DOT Department of Transportation
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FR Federal Register
HM Hazardous Materials
HMSP Hazardous Materials Safety Permit
HRCQ Highway Route Controlled Quantity
MCMIS Motor Carrier Management Information System
OOS Out-of-Service
OOSC Out-of-Service Criteria
PBBT Performance-Based Brake Test
PIA Privacy Impact Assessment
PTA Privacy Threshold Assessment
RAM Radioactive Material
RFA Regulatory Flexibility Act
TSA Transportation Security Administration
UMRA The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
U.S.C. United States Code
IV. Legal Basis
Congress has enacted several statutory provisions to ensure the
safe transportation of hazardous materials in interstate commerce.
Specifically, in provisions codified at 49 U.S.C. 5105(d), relating to
inspections of motor vehicles carrying certain hazardous material, and
49 U.S.C. 5109, relating to motor carrier safety permits (``HMSPs''),
the Secretary of Transportation is required to promulgate regulations
as part of a comprehensive safety program on HMSPs. The FMCSA
Administrator has been delegated authority under 49 U.S.C. 113(f) and
49 CFR 1.87(d)(2) to carry out the functions vested in the Secretary of
Transportation related to HMSPs. Consistent with that authority, FMCSA
has promulgated regulations under 49 CFR part 385, subpart E to address
the congressional mandate on HMSPs. Those regulations are the
underlying provisions to which the material incorporated by reference
discussed in this notice is applicable.
Congress authorized DOT by statute to promote safe transportation
of hazardous materials in interstate commerce by prescribing, among
other things, regulations and minimum standards for practices, methods,
and procedures for inspections and safety permits for motor vehicles
carrying certain hazardous materials. 49 U.S.C. 5105(d); 49 U.S.C.
5109. The purpose of this rule is to incorporate by reference the 2024
edition of the CVSA handbook outlining the OOSC and inspection
procedures for commercial highway
[[Page 36744]]
vehicles transporting RAMs. The provisions within the CVSA handbook are
intended to operate holistically in addressing a range of issues
necessary to ensure the safe transport of hazardous materials. However,
FMCSA recognizes that certain provisions focus on unique topics.
Therefore, FMCSA finds that the various provisions within the CVSA
handbook would be severable and the remaining provision or provisions
within the handbook would continue to operate functionally if any one
or more provisions were invalidated and any other provision(s)
remained.
V. Background
In 1986, the U.S. Department of Energy and CVSA entered into a
cooperative agreement to develop a higher level of inspection
procedures, out-of-service (OOS) conditions and/or criteria, an
inspection decal, and a training and certification program for
inspectors to conduct inspections on shipments of transuranic waste and
HRCQs of RAM. CVSA developed the North American Standard Level VI
Inspection Program for Transuranic Waste and Highway Route Controlled
Quantities of Radioactive Material. This inspection program for select
radiological shipments includes inspection procedures, enhancements to
the North American Standard Level I Inspection, radiological surveys,
CVSA Level VI decal requirements, and the ``North American Standard
Out-of-Service Criteria and Level VI Inspection Procedures and Out-of-
Service Criteria for Commercial Highway Vehicles Transporting
Transuranics and Highway Route Controlled Quantities of Radioactive
Materials as defined in 49 CFR part 173.403.'' As of January 1, 2005,
all vehicles and carriers transporting HRCQs of RAM are covered by the
U.S. Department of Transportation's HM Safety Permit rules (June 30,
2004; 69 FR 39350). All HRCQs of RAM must pass the North American
Standard Level VI Inspection prior to the shipment being allowed to
travel in the United States. All HRCQs of RAM shipments entering the
United States must also pass the North American Standard Level VI
Inspection either at the shipment's point of origin or when the
shipment enters the United States.
Operational requirements for motor carriers transporting hazardous
materials for which a HMSP is required are prescribed by Sec. 385.415.
Section 385.415(b) requires that motor carriers ensure a pre-trip
inspection is performed on each motor vehicle to be used to transport a
HRCQ of a Class 7 (radioactive) material, in accordance with the
requirements of CVSA's handbook titled ``North American Standard Out-
of-Service Criteria and Level VI Inspection Procedures and Out-of-
Service Criteria for Commercial Highway Vehicles Transporting
Transuranics and Highway Route Controlled Quantities of Radioactive
Materials as defined in 49 CFR part 173.403.''
According to 2020 through 2023 data from FMCSA's Motor Carrier
Management Information System (MCMIS), approximately 2.9 million Level
I through Level VI inspections were performed annually. Nearly 96.2
percent of these were Level I,\1\ Level II,\2\ and Level III \3\
inspections. During the same period, an average of 876 Level VI
inspections were performed annually, comprising only 0.03 percent of
all inspections. On average, OOS violations were cited in only 5 Level
VI inspections annually (0.6 percent), whereas on average, OOS
violations were cited in 223,679 Level I inspections (27 percent),
265,132 Level II inspections (27 percent), and 59,179 Level III
inspections (6 percent) annually. As these statistics demonstrate, OOS
violations are cited in a far lower percentage of Level VI inspections
than Level I, II, and III inspections, due largely to the enhanced
oversight and inspection of these vehicles because of the sensitive
nature of the cargo being transported.
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\1\ Level I is a 37-step inspection procedure that involves
examination of the motor carrier's and driver's credentials, record
of duty status, the mechanical condition of the vehicle, and any
hazardous materials/dangerous goods that may be present.
\2\ Level II is a driver and walk-around vehicle inspection,
involving the inspection of items that can be checked without
physically getting under the vehicle.
\3\ Level III is a driver-only inspection that includes
examination of the driver's credentials and documents.
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The changes to the 2024 edition of the CVSA handbook are intended
to ensure clarity in the presentation of the OOS conditions and are
generally editorial or ministerial. As discussed below, FMCSA does not
expect the changes made in the 2024 edition of the CVSA handbook to
significantly affect the number of OOS violations cited during Level VI
inspections.
VI. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking
Section 385.4(b)(1), as amended on November 8, 2023 (88 FR 77010),
references the April 1, 2023, edition of the CVSA handbook. This NPRM
proposes to amend Sec. 385.4(b)(1) by replacing the reference to the
April 1, 2023, edition date with a reference to the new edition date of
April 1, 2024.
The changes made based on the 2024 edition of the handbook are
outlined below. It is necessary to update the materials incorporated by
reference to ensure motor carriers and enforcement officials have
convenient access to the correctly identified inspection criteria
referenced in the rules.
In preparing this NPRM, FMCSA obtained clarification from CVSA on
various aspects of the 2024 edition of the handbook. FMCSA contacted
CVSA on February 28, 2024, regarding why CVSA released a version in
February 2024 before the changes were effective. Following this, on
March 8, 2024, FMCSA contacted CVSA again to highlight a minor
typographical error in the OOSC handbook. Finally, on April 3, 2024,
FMCSA contacted CVSA regarding the change relating to the distinction
between vehicles equipped with automatic tire inflation systems (ATIS)
and vehicles not equipped with ATIS in the North American Standard OOSC
Part II, Item 12(b)(1) and 12(b)(2). CVSA explained how the tires are
treated differently. In each instance, CVSA provided clarifying
information that aided the Agency with drafting the NPRM. FMCSA has
placed a memorandum in the rulemaking docket documenting these
communications.
April 1, 2024, Changes
Eleven changes in the 2024 edition of the CVSA handbook distinguish
it from the April 1, 2023, edition:
1. Part I, Item 2.b (``Endorsements and Restrictions''), was
amended to add a note clarifying the status of a Hazardous Materials
(HM) endorsement in cases where a U.S. driver's Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) screening/HM determination is expired, and the
driver requires renewal. The HM endorsement threat assessment program
is administered by TSA, which conducts security threat assessments for
drivers seeking to obtain, renew, or transfer an HM endorsement on a
State-issued commercial driver's license (CDL). A note was added to
clarify that if a driver possesses a State-issued CDL and transports HM
but fails to renew their HM endorsement, typically required to be
renewed every 5 years, the HM endorsement becomes invalid, irrespective
of the license's expiration date. Additionally, the note specifies that
a driver will be placed OOS if transporting HM in a quantity
necessitating placards. The changes are intended to ensure clarity in
the presentation of the OOS conditions and are not expected to
significantly affect the number of OOS violations cited during Level VI
inspections.
[[Page 36745]]
2. Part I, Item 4.b (``Medical Certificate'') was amended by
removing language in the note regarding the requirement that Class D
license-holders in Ontario, Canada provide additional evidence of
compliance with medical prerequisites. The language was removed because
a cyclical renewal of driver medical certification is now mandatory and
integrated into this class of license. This amendment is applicable
only to the enforcement of Canadian regulations and will not have any
effect on the number of OOS violations cited during Level VI
inspections in the United States.
3. Part I, Item 7.c (``Prohibited from performing safety-sensitive
functions'') was amended by adding a new regulation code and a note
addressing the use of this new regulation code for drivers prohibited
from performing safety-sensitive functions. FMCSA agrees with CVSA's
determination that the language was needed for instances where drivers
are found operating a CMV while in prohibited status in the Drug and
Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH or Clearinghouse) under Sec. 392.15.
However, because Sec. 392.15 is presently unavailable in the
inspection software, a note was added stating that a citation to Sec.
390.3(e) may be used until November 18, 2024,\4\ prior to the addition
of the updated regulatory code into the inspection software and to
provide U.S. jurisdictions a means of achieving early compliance with
the requirement. The changes are intended to ensure clarity in the
presentation of the OOS conditions and are not expected to
significantly affect the number of OOS violations cited during Level VI
inspections.
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\4\ On October 7, 2021, FMCSA published a final rule in the
Federal Register (86 FR 55718) establishing requirements for State
driver's licensing agencies to access and use information obtained
through the DACH, an FMCSA-administered database containing driver-
specific controlled substance (drug) and alcohol records. Among
other actions, the final rule added a new Sec. 392.15 to prohibit
any driver subject to the CMV driving prohibition in Sec.
382.501(a) from operating a CMV. The deadline for States to come
into compliance with that requirement is November 18, 2024.
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4. Part I, Item 7.c (``Prohibited from performing safety-sensitive
functions'') was also amended by adding language in the applicability
table regarding the prohibition against commercial learner's permit
(CLP) holders performing safety-sensitive functions after engaging in
prohibited use of drugs or alcohol, until the CLP holder has completed
the return to duty requirements established by 49 CFR part 40, subpart
O.\5\ CVSA concluded that the table should also refer to CLP holders in
the ``Current CDL Holder'' section. CLP holders were not added to the
``Former CDL Holder'' section because a former CDL holder would possess
a non-CDL license not subject to the Clearinghouse requirements. The
changes are intended to ensure clarity in the presentation of the OOS
conditions and are not expected to significantly affect the number of
OOS violations cited during Level VI inspections.
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\5\ Similar to the previous change, this is necessary to meet
the November 2024 compliance date for the October 2021 DACH final
rule.
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5. Part II, Item 1.a.5.a (``Drum (Cam-Type and Wedge) Air Brakes'')
was amended to include language specifying that missing camshaft
bushings must be included in the 20 percent brake criterion. The 20
percent criterion relates to the proportion of brakes on a vehicle or
combination that are found to be defective during an inspection.
Specifically, if 20 percent or more of the total number of brakes on
the vehicle are found to be defective, the vehicle is considered OOS.
During a roadside inspection, CVSA found a missing camshaft bushing in
the drum brake system of a CMV. However, due to the positioning of the
camshaft within the spider casting, the brake was not out of adjustment
and was still partially operative. Subsequently, FMCSA agrees with
CVSA's determination it was appropriate to include missing camshaft
bushings in the 20 percent brake criterion. With this update, CVSA
added language clarifying that a brake can be considered defective if
it has a missing camshaft bushing. The change is intended to ensure
clarity in the presentation of the OOS conditions and is not expected
to significantly affect the number of OOS violations cited during Level
VI inspections.
6. Part II, Item 1 (``Brake Systems'') was amended by adding
language that more clearly identifies which violations are to be
included in the 20 percent criterion calculation for defective brakes.
Previously, this specification was only found at the end of the list of
brake violations. CVSA has added standard language to the side of each
criterion as a visual indicator for Items 1.a. (``Defective Brakes'')
and 1.b (``Front Steering Axle(s) Brakes''), to facilitate
identification of the violations included in the 20 percent criterion.
Additionally, language was added at the end of the list of violations
to clarify that the remaining OOS conditions are not part of the 20
percent criterion but are standalone OOS violations. The changes are
intended to ensure clarity in the presentation of the OOS conditions
and are not expected to significantly affect the number of OOS
violations cited during Level VI inspections.
7. Part II, Item 1.q (``Performance-Based Brake Test'') was amended
by changing the language in the note from ``shall'' to ``may,''
providing inspectors discretion regarding retesting the vehicle on an
approved Performance-Based Brake Test (PBBT). The previous OOSC noted
that, if a PBBT was accessible, the vehicle had to undergo retesting on
the PBBT. However, this requirement for a vehicle to return for re-
inspection posed a traffic hazard at certain inspection locations,
particularly due to the layout of some inspection pull-off locations.
While it is still advisable to conduct the retest whenever feasible,
there may be circumstances where it cannot be carried out. Changing the
language in the note from ``shall'' to ``may'' will allow inspector
discretion during the vehicle retest, ensuring the safety of the
motoring public. The change is intended to ensure clarity in the
presentation of the OOS conditions and is not expected to significantly
affect the number of OOS violations cited during Level VI inspections.
8. Part II, Item 3.c.1 (``Pintle Hooks: Mounting and Integrity'')
and 3.g.1 (``Hitch Systems (Excluding Fifth Wheels and Pintle Hooks):
Mounting and Integrity'') were amended by adding language that
specifies an OOSC for latches that are not in use and ball hitches that
are mismatched with the receiver, respectively. Roadside inspectors
encountered a situation where a CMV had a pintle hook disconnected from
the trailer, with the full trailer only connected by the safety chains
and wedged under the bumper. Additionally, during inspections, ball and
coupler type connections were found with mismatched components, such as
the wrong size ball or receiver hitch. Adding language to specify the
OOSC if latches are not in use and for mismatched ball hitches with the
receiver will help cover such occurrences. The changes are intended to
ensure clarity in the presentation of the OOS conditions and are not
expected to significantly affect the number of OOS violations cited
during Level VI inspections.
9. Part II, Item 9.a was amended by changing the title for the part
from ``When Lights Are Required To Be On'' to ``When Lights Are
Required To Be On (does not include lamps that are not turned on).''
The added language is intended to indicate that the absence of
activated lights does not constitute an OOS condition. FMCSA agrees
with CVSA's determination that if the lights are operational upon
inspection and no mechanical issues are identified with the vehicle, it
would be unreasonable to
[[Page 36746]]
declare the vehicle OOS when operational lights are not turned on. Each
State, Province, and Territory has regulatory provisions regarding
drivers operating vehicles without activating necessary lights. In such
instances, the driver should be cited, and the violation should be
recorded as a traffic violation on the inspection report. The change is
intended to ensure clarity in the presentation of the OOS conditions
and is not expected to significantly affect the number of OOS
violations cited during Level VI inspections.
10. Part II, Item 9 (``Lighting Devices (Headlamps, Tail Lamps,
Stop Lamps, Turn Signals, and Lamps/Flags on Projecting Loads)'') was
amended by adding a note applicable to the entire item, clarifying that
required lighting that is operational but outside the scope of the
requirements of 393.11/National Safety Code Standard 11B for issues
such as height, lens color, or position is considered a violation.
However, in such cases, the vehicle should not be placed OOS. FMCSA
agrees with CVSA's determination that adding such a note would clarify
the OOSC. The change is intended to ensure clarity in the presentation
of the OOS conditions and is not expected to significantly affect the
number of OOS violations cited during Level VI inspections.
11. Part II, Item 12.b (``All Tires Other Than Those Found on the
Front Steering Axle(s) of a Power Unit'') was amended by introducing a
new section and renumbering the subsequent sections within item 12.b.
CVSA believes that with the increasing prevalence of ATIS the OOSC
should distinguish between leaks in the tread area of a tire equipped
with ATIS versus a tire without ATIS. Underinflated tires pose a
significant risk of tire blowouts due to increased susceptibility to
overheating and structural damage. While ATIS help mitigate this risk
by continuously monitoring and adjusting tire inflation levels, it is
essential to acknowledge that they may not entirely prevent the
occurrence of underinflated tires. For ATIS-equipped tires, if, at any
point during the inspection, a tire is found to have a noticeable leak
that can be heard or felt, which is specific to the tread area, and
significant enough that the ATIS cannot maintain inflation pressure
greater than 50 percent of the maximum inflation pressure marked on the
tire sidewall, the vehicle will be placed OOS. However, if a tire not
connected to an operable ATIS has a noticeable leak or is inflated to
50 percent or less of the maximum inflation pressure marked on the tire
sidewall, the vehicle will also be placed OOS. Therefore, CVSA added
language to the 12.b.1 and 12.b.2 OOSC to distinguish vehicles equipped
with and without ATIS. The changes are intended to ensure clarity in
the presentation of the OOS conditions and are not expected to
significantly affect the number of OOS violations cited during Level VI
inspections.
VII. Section-by-Section Analysis
Section 385.4 Matter Incorporated by Reference
Section 385.4(b)(1), as amended on November 8, 2023, references the
April 1, 2023, edition of the CVSA handbook. This NPRM proposes to
replace the reference to the April 1, 2023, edition date with a
reference to the new edition date of April 1, 2024.
VIII. Regulatory Analyses
A. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O.
13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), E.O. 14094
(Modernizing Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory Policies and
Procedures
FMCSA has considered the impact of this NPRM under E.O. 12866 (58
FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993), Regulatory Planning and Review, E.O. 13563 (76
FR 3821, Jan. 21, 2011), Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review,
E.O. 14094 (88 FR 21879, Apr. 11, 2023), Modernizing Regulatory Review,
and DOT's regulatory policies and procedures. The Office of Information
and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
determined that this NPRM is not a significant regulatory action under
section 3(f) of E.O. 12866, as supplemented by E.O. 13563 and E.O.
14094, and does not require an assessment of potential costs and
benefits under section 6(a)(3) of that order. Accordingly, OMB has not
reviewed it under that E.O.
The proposed rule, if finalized, would update an incorporation by
reference from the April 1, 2023, edition to the April 1, 2024, edition
of CVSA's handbook titled ``North American Standard Out-of-Service
Criteria and Level VI Inspection Procedures and Out-of-Service Criteria
for Commercial Highway Vehicles Transporting Transuranics and Highway
Route Controlled Quantities of Radioactive Materials as defined in 49
CFR part 173.403.'' FMCSA reviewed its MCMIS data on inspections
performed from 2020 to 2023 and does not expect the handbook updates to
have a significant effect on the number of OOS violations cited during
Level VI inspections. Therefore, the proposed rule's impact would be de
minimis.
B. Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(g), FMCSA is required to publish an advance
notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM), or proceed with a negotiated
rulemaking, if a proposed rule is likely to lead to the promulgation of
a major rule. As this proposed rule is not likely to result in the
promulgation of a major rule, the Agency is not required to issue an
ANPRM or to proceed with a negotiated rulemaking.
C. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) (RFA), as
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of
1996,\6\ requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of the
regulatory action on small business and other small entities and to
minimize any significant economic impact. The term small entities
comprises small businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are
independently owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields,
and governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000 (5
U.S.C. 601(6)). Accordingly, DOT policy requires an analysis of the
impact of all regulations on small entities, and mandates that agencies
strive to lessen any adverse effects on these businesses. None of the
updates from the 2024 edition impose new requirements or make
substantive changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
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\6\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857, (Mar. 29, 1996).
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When an Agency issues a rulemaking proposal, the RFA requires the
Agency to ``prepare and make available an initial regulatory
flexibility analysis'' that will describe the impact of the proposed
rule on small entities (5 U.S.C. 603(a)). Section 605 of the RFA allows
an agency to certify a rule, instead of preparing an analysis, if the
proposed rule is not expected to impact a substantial number of small
entities. The proposed rule would update an incorporation by reference
found at Sec. 385.4(b)(1) and referenced at Sec. 385.415(b), and
would incorporate by reference the April 1, 2024, edition of the CVSA
handbook. The changes to the 2024 edition of the CVSA handbook from the
2023 edition are intended to ensure clarity in the presentation of the
OOS conditions and are generally editorial or ministerial. As noted
above, FMCSA does not expect the changes made in the 2024 edition of
the CVSA handbook to significantly affect the number of OOS violations
cited during Level VI inspections in the United
[[Page 36747]]
States. Accordingly, I certify that the proposed action would not have
a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small
entities.
D. Assistance for Small Entities
In accordance with section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857),
FMCSA wants to assist small entities in understanding this proposed
rule so they can better evaluate its effects on themselves and
participate in the rulemaking initiative. If the proposed rule would
affect your small business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction
and you have questions concerning its provisions or options for
compliance, please consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER
INFORMATION CONTACT.
Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
employees who enforce or otherwise determine compliance with Federal
regulations to the Small Business Administration's Small Business and
Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman (Office of the National
Ombudsman, see https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-national-ombudsman) and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness
Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each
agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on
actions by employees of FMCSA, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247).
DOT has a policy regarding the rights of small entities to regulatory
enforcement fairness and an explicit policy against retaliation for
exercising these rights.
E. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
(UMRA) requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their
discretionary regulatory actions.
The Act addresses actions that may result in the expenditure by a
State, local, or Tribal government, in the aggregate, or by the private
sector of $192 million (which is the value equivalent of $100 million
in 1995, adjusted for inflation to 2022 levels) or more in any 1 year.
Though this NPRM would not result in such an expenditure, and the
analytical requirements of UMRA do not apply as a result, the Agency
discusses the effects of this rule elsewhere in this preamble.
F. Paperwork Reduction Act
This proposed rule contains no new information collection
requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520).
G. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
A rule has implications for federalism under section 1(a) of E.O.
13132 if it has ``substantial direct effects on the States, on the
relationship between the national government and the States, or on the
distribution of power and responsibilities among the various levels of
government.''
FMCSA has determined that this rule would not have substantial
direct costs on or for States, nor would it limit the policymaking
discretion of States. Nothing in this document preempts any State law
or regulation. Therefore, this rule does not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Impact
Statement.
H. Privacy
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,\7\ requires the Agency
to assess the privacy impact of a regulation that will affect the
privacy of individuals. This NPRM would not require the collection of
personally identifiable information.
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\7\ Public Law 108-447, 118 Stat. 2809, 3268, note following 5
U.S.C. 552a (Dec. 4, 2014).
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The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) applies only to Federal agencies
and any non-Federal agency that receives records contained in a system
of records from a Federal agency for use in a matching program.
The E-Government Act of 2002,\8\ requires Federal agencies to
conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for new or substantially
changed technology that collects, maintains, or disseminates
information in an identifiable form. No new or substantially changed
technology would collect, maintain, or disseminate information as a
result of this rule. Accordingly, FMCSA has not conducted a PIA.
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\8\ Public Law 107-347, sec. 208, 116 Stat. 2899, 2921 (Dec. 17,
2002).
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In addition, the Agency submitted a Privacy Threshold Assessment
(PTA) to evaluate the risks and effects the proposed rulemaking might
have on collecting, storing, and sharing personally identifiable
information. The PTA was adjudicated by DOT's Chief Privacy Officer on
March 26, 2024.
I. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
This rule does not have Tribal implications under E.O. 13175,
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because
it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian
Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian
Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
J. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
FMCSA analyzed this proposed rule pursuant to the National
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321, et seq.) and
determined this action is categorically excluded from further analysis
and documentation in an environmental assessment or environmental
impact statement under FMCSA Order 5610.1 (69 FR 9680), Appendix 2,
paragraph 6(b). This Categorical Exclusion (CE) covers minor revisions
to regulations. The proposed requirements in this rulemaking are
covered by this CE.
K. Rulemaking Summary
As required by 5 U.S.C. 553(b)(4), a summary of this rule can be
found in the Abstract section of the Department's Unified Agenda entry
for this rulemaking at https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaViewRule?pubId=202310&RIN=2126-AC65.
List of Subjects in 49 CFR 385
Administrative practice and procedure, Highway safety,
Incorporation by reference, Mexico, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle
safety, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements.
In consideration of the foregoing, FMCSA proposes to amend 49 CFR
chapter III, part 385, as set forth below:
PART 385--SAFETY FITNESS PROCEDURES
0
1. The authority citation for part 385 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 113, 504, 521(b), 5105(d), 5109, 5113,
13901-13905, 13908, 31135, 31136, 31144, 31148, 31151, 31502; sec.
113(a), Pub. L. 103-311, 108 Stat. 1673, 1676; sec. 408, Pub. L.
104-88, 109 Stat. 803, 958; sec. 350, Pub. L. 107-87, 115 Stat. 833,
864; sec. 5205, Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1537; and 49 CFR
1.87.
0
2. Amend Sec. 385.4 by revising paragraph (b)(1) to read as follows:
Sec. 385.4 Matter incorporated by reference.
* * * * *
(b) * * *
(1) ``North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria and Level VI
Inspection Procedures and Out-of-Service Criteria for Commercial
Highway Vehicles Transporting Transuranics and Highway Route Controlled
Quantities of Radioactive Materials as defined in 49 CFR 173.403,''
April 1, 2024,
[[Page 36748]]
incorporation by reference approved for Sec. 385.415(b).
* * * * *
Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.87.
Sue Lawless,
Acting Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2024-09357 Filed 5-2-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P