430 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / Notices 

achieved absent such exemption. The 

statutes also allow the Agency to renew 

exemptions at the end of the 5-year 

period. However, 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 Agency’s decision regarding these 

exemption applications is based on 

relevant scientific information and 

literature, and the 2008 Evidence 

Report, ‘‘Executive Summary on 

Hearing, Vestibular Function and 

Commercial Motor Driving Safety.’’ The 

evidence report reached two 

conclusions regarding the matter of 

hearing loss and CMV driver safety: (1) 

no studies that examined the 

relationship between hearing loss and 

crash risk exclusively among CMV 

drivers were identified; and (2) evidence 

from studies of the private driver’s 

license holder population does not 

support the contention that individuals 

with hearing impairment are at an 

increased risk for a crash. In addition, 

the Agency reviewed each applicant’s 

driving record found in the Commercial 

Driver’s License Information System, for 

commercial driver’s license (CDL) 

holders, and inspections recorded in the 

Motor Carrier Management Information 

System. For non-CDL holders, the 

Agency reviewed the driving records 

from the State Driver’s Licensing 

Agency. Each applicant’s record 

demonstrated a safe driving history. 

Based on an individual assessment of 

each applicant that focused on whether 

an equal or greater level of safety would 

likely be achieved by permitting each of 

these drivers to drive in interstate 

commerce, the Agency finds the drivers 

granted this exemption have 

demonstrated that they do not pose a 

risk to public safety. 

Consequently, FMCSA finds further 

that in each case exempting these 

applicants from the hearing standard in 

§ 391.41(b)(11) would likely achieve a 

level of safety equal to that existing 

without the exemption, consistent with 

the applicable standard in 49 U.S.C. 

31315(b)(1). 

V. Conditions and Requirements 

The terms and conditions of the 

exemption are provided to the 

applicants in the exemption document 

and include the following: (1) each 

driver must report any crashes or 

accidents as defined in § 390.5T; (2) 

each driver must report all citations and 

convictions for disqualifying offenses 

under 49 CFR parts 383 and 391 to 

FMCSA; and (3) each driver is 

prohibited from operating a motorcoach 

or bus with passengers in interstate 

commerce. The driver must also have a 

copy of the exemption when driving, for 

presentation to a duly authorized 

Federal, State, or local enforcement 

official. In addition, the exemption does 

not exempt the individual from meeting 

the applicable CDL testing 

requirements. 

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. 

VII. Conclusion 

Based upon its evaluation of the 10 

exemption applications, FMCSA 

exempts the following drivers from the 

hearing standard; in § 391.41(b)(11), 

subject to the requirements cited above: 

Jesse Aguiar (AZ) 

Antonio Brown (LA) 

Daniel Crawford (VA) 

Scott Humpal (CA) 

Ryan King (NC) 

Jordan Marqus (RI) 

John Mast (OH) 

Lacey McLaughlin (NC) 

Barry Schmidt (CO) 

Grover Vincent (TX) 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 

31315(b), each exemption will be valid 

for 2 years from the effective date unless 

revoked earlier by FMCSA. The 

exemption will be revoked if the 

following occurs: (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 prior to being granted; 

or (3) continuation of the exemption 

would not be consistent with the goals 

and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31136, 49 

U.S.C. chapter 313, or the FMCSRs. 

Larry W. Minor, 

Associate Administrator for Policy. 

[FR Doc. 2023–28885 Filed 1–2–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration 

[Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0443; FMCSA– 

2014–0380; FMCSA–2021–0025] 

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption 

Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure 

Disorders 

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA), Department 

of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Notice of renewal of 

exemptions; request for comments. 

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its 

decision to renew exemptions for three 

individuals from the requirement in the 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate 

commercial motor vehicle (CMV) 

drivers have ‘‘no established medical 

history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy 

or any other condition which is likely 

to cause loss of consciousness or any 

loss of ability to control a CMV.’’ The 

exemptions enable these individuals 

who have had one or more seizures and 

are taking anti-seizure medication to 

continue to operate CMVs in interstate 

commerce. 

DATES: The exemptions are applicable 

on January 10, 2024. The exemptions 

expire on January 10, 2026. Comments 

must be received on or before February 

2, 2024. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments 

identified by the Federal Docket 

Management System Docket No. 

FMCSA–2013–0443, Docket No. 

FMCSA–2014–0380, or Docket No. 

FMCSA–2021–0025 using any of the 

following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket 

number (FMCSA–2013–0443, FMCSA– 

2014–0380, or FMCSA–2021–0025) 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, Washington, DC 20590– 

0001. 

• Hand Delivery: West Building 

Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 

SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001 

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, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 

20590–0001, (202) 366–4001, 

fmcsamedical@dot.gov. 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: 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / Notices 431 

1These criteria may be found in APPENDIX A TO 

PART 391—MEDICAL ADVISORY CRITERIA, 

section H. Epilepsy: § 391.41(b)(8), paragraphs 3, 4, 

and 5, which is available on the internet at https:// 

www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/CFR-2015-title49-vol5/pdf/ 

CFR-2015-title49-vol5-part391-appA.pdf. 

I. Public Participation 

A. Submitting Comments 

If you submit a comment, please 

include the docket number for this 

notice (Docket No. FMCSA–2013–0443, 

Docket No. FMCSA–2014–0380, or 

FMCSA–2021–0025), 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–2013–0443, FMCSA– 

2014–0380, or FMCSA–2021–0025) 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 81⁄2 by 

11 inches, suitable for copying and 

electronic filing. 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–2013–0443, FMCSA– 

2014–0380, or FMCSA–2021–0025) 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 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 49 U.S.C. 

31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments 

from the public on the exemption 

request. 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 (Federal Docket Management 

System), which can be reviewed at 

https://www.transportation.gov/ 

individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are 

searchable by the name of the submitter. 

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 

statutes also allow the Agency to renew 

exemptions at the end of the 5-year 

period. However, 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 epilepsy found in 

49 CFR 391.41(b)(8) states that a person 

is physically qualified to drive a CMV 

if that person has no established 

medical history or clinical diagnosis of 

epilepsy or any other condition which 

is likely to cause the loss of 

consciousness or any loss of ability to 

control a CMV. 

In addition to the regulations, FMCSA 

has published advisory criteria 1 to 

assist Medical Examiners in 

determining whether drivers with 

certain medical conditions are qualified 

to operate a CMV in interstate 

commerce. 

The three individuals listed in this 

notice have requested renewal of their 

exemptions from the epilepsy and 

seizure disorders prohibition in 

§ 391.41(b)(8), 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 

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 three 

applicants has satisfied the renewal 

conditions for obtaining an exemption 

from the epilepsy and seizure disorders 

prohibition. The three drivers in this 

notice remain in good standing with the 

Agency, have maintained their medical 

monitoring and have not exhibited any 

medical issues that would compromise 

their ability to safely operate a CMV 

during the previous 2-year exemption 

period. In addition, for commercial 

driver’s license (CDL) holders, the 

Commercial Driver’s License 

Information System and the Motor 

Carrier Management Information System 

are searched for crash and violation 

data. For non-CDL holders, the Agency 

reviews the driving records from the 

State Driver’s Licensing Agency. These 

factors provide an adequate basis for 

predicting each driver’s ability to 

continue to safely operate a CMV 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. 

As of January 10, 2023, and in 

accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 

31315(b), the following three 

individuals have satisfied the renewal 

conditions for obtaining an exemption 

from the epilepsy and seizure disorders 

prohibition in the FMCSRs for interstate 

CMV drivers: 

Phillip Halfmann (WI) 

Ronald Hartl (WI) 

Benjamin Reineke (OH) 

The drivers were included in docket 

number FMCSA–2013–0443, FMCSA– 

2014–0380, or FMCSA–2021–0025. 

Their exemptions are applicable as of 

January 10, 2024 and will expire on 

January 10, 2026. 

V. Conditions and Requirements 

The exemptions are extended subject 

to the following conditions: (1) each 

driver must remain seizure-free and 

maintain a stable treatment during the 

2-year exemption period; (2) each driver 

must submit annual reports from their 

treating physicians attesting to the 

stability of treatment and that the driver 

has remained seizure-free; (3) each 

driver must undergo an annual medical 

examination by a certified ME, as 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1
432 Federal Register / Vol. 89, No. 2 / Wednesday, January 3, 2024 / Notices 

defined by § 390.5; and (4) 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 file if he/she is selfemployed. 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. 

VII. Conclusion 

Based on its evaluation of the three 

exemption applications, FMCSA renews 

the exemptions of the aforementioned 

drivers from the epilepsy and seizure 

disorders prohibition in § 391.41(b)(8). 

In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) 

and 31315(b), each exemption will be 

valid for 2 years unless revoked earlier 

by FMCSA. 

Larry W. Minor, 

Associate Administrator for Policy. 

[FR Doc. 2023–28887 Filed 1–2–24; 8:45 am] 

BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P 

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION 

Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration 

[Docket No. FMCSA–2023–0026] 

Qualification of Drivers; Exemption 

Applications; Hearing 

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Administration (FMCSA), Department 

of Transportation (DOT). 

ACTION: Notice of applications for 

exemption; request for comments. 

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces receipt of 

applications from 10 individuals for an 

exemption from the hearing requirement 

in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 

Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a 

commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in 

interstate commerce. If granted, the 

exemptions would enable these hard of 

hearing and deaf individuals to operate 

CMVs in interstate commerce. 

DATES: Comments must be received on 

or before February 2, 2024. 

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments 

identified by the Federal Docket 

Management System Docket No. 

FMCSA–2023–0026 using any of the 

following methods: 

• Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to 

www.regulations.gov/, insert the docket 

number (FMCSA–2023–0026) in the 

keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, 

choose the only 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, Washington, DC 20590– 

0001. 

• Hand Delivery: West Building 

Ground Floor, 1200 New Jersey Avenue 

SE, Washington, DC 20590–0001, 

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, FMCSA, DOT, 1200 

New Jersey Avenue SE, Room W64–224, 

Washington, DC 20590–0001, (202) 366– 

4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov. Office 

hours are 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–2023–0026), 

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 

https://www.regulations.gov/docket/ 

FMCSA-2023-0026. Next, sort the results 

by ‘‘Posted (Newer-Older),’’ choose the 

only 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 81⁄2 by 

11 inches, suitable for copying and 

electronic filing. 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–2023–0026) in the 

keyword box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, 

choose the only 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 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 49 U.S.C. 

31315(b)(6), DOT solicits comments 

from the public on the exemption 

requests. 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 (Federal Docket Management 

System), which can be reviewed at 

https://www.transportation.gov/ 

individuals/privacy/privacy-act-systemrecords-notices, the comments are 

searchable by the name of the submitter. 

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 

statutes also allow 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 10 individuals listed in this 

notice have requested an exemption 

from the hearing requirement in 49 CFR 

391.41(b)(11). Accordingly, the Agency 


ddrumheller on DSK120RN23PROD with NOTICES1