Document ID: FMCSA-2021-0037-0001
Agency: fmcsa
Document Type: Proposed Rule
Title: Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation: Authorized Windshield Area for the Installation of Vehicle Safety Technology
Posted Date: 2021-07-06T04:00Z

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 126 (Tuesday, July 6, 2021)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 35449-35458]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-14040]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 393

[Docket No. FMCSA-2021-0037]
RIN 2126-AC42

Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Authorized 
Windshield Area for the Installation of Vehicle Safety Technology

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

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: FMCSA proposes to amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Regulations (FMCSRs) to increase the area within which certain vehicle 
safety technology devices may be mounted on the interior of the 
commercial motor vehicle (CMV) windshields. In addition, FMCSA proposes 
to add items to the definition of vehicle safety technology. This NPRM 
responds to a rulemaking petition from Daimler Trucks North America 
(DTNA).

DATES: Comments must be received on or before August 5, 2021.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Docket Number FMCSA-
2021-0037 using any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2021-0037/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, 
Room W12-140, Washington, DC 20590-0001.
     Hand Delivery or Courier: Dockets Operations, U.S. 
Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, 
Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 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.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Luke W. Loy, Vehicle and Roadside 
Operations Division, Office of Policy, Federal Motor Carrier Safety 
Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC 20590-0001; 
(202) 366-0676; Luke.Loy@dot.gov. If you have questions on viewing or 
submitting material to the docket, call Dockets Operations at (202) 
366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    FMCSA organizes this NPRM as follows:

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
    A. Submitting Comments
    B. Viewing Comments and Documents
    C. Privacy Act
II. Executive Summary
    A. Purpose and Summary of the Regulatory Action
    B. Costs and Benefits
III. Abbreviations
IV. Legal Basis
V. Background
    A. Temporary Exemptions
    B. Petition To Initiate Rulemaking
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), and DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures
    B. Congressional Review Act
    C. Waiver of Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    D. Regulatory Flexibility Act (Small Entities)
    E. Assistance for Small Entities
    F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

[[Page 35450]]

    G. Paperwork Reduction Act (Collection of Information)
    H. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
    I. Privacy
    J. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
    K. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

I. Public Participation and Request For Comments

A. Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
NPRM (FMCSA-2021-0037), 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 contact you if there are questions regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2021-0037/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. 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.
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 Mr. Brian 
Dahlin, Chief, Regulatory Analysis Division, Office of Policy, Federal 
Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, 
Washington, DC 20590-0001. 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 documents mentioned as being available in the docket, go to 
https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2021-0037/document and choose 
the document to review. To view comments, click this NPRM, 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., 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

    DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its 
rulemaking process, in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c). 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 
(FDMS)), which can be reviewed at www.transportation.gov/privacy.

II. Executive Summary

A. Purpose and Summary of the Regulatory Action

    Section 393.60(e)(1)(i) of the FMCSRs prohibits obstruction of the 
driver's field of view by devices mounted at the top of the windshield. 
Antennas and similar devices must not be mounted more than 152 mm (6 
inches) below the upper edge of the windshield, and must be outside the 
driver's sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.
    Section 393.60(e)(1)(i) does not apply to vehicle safety 
technologies, as defined in Sec.  393.5, that include ``a fleet-related 
incident management system, performance or behavior management system, 
speed management system, forward collision warning or mitigation 
system, active cruise control system, and transponder.'' Section 
393.60(e)(1)(ii) requires devices with vehicle safety technologies to 
be mounted (1) not more than 100 mm (4 inches) below the upper edge of 
the area swept by the windshield wipers, or (2) not more than 175 mm (7 
inches) above the lower edge of the area swept by the windshield 
wipers, and (3) outside the driver's sight lines to the road and 
highway signs and signals.
    Specifically, the Agency proposes to modify Sec.  393.60(e)(1)(ii) 
to increase from 100 mm (4 inches) to 216 mm (8.5 inches) the distance 
below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers within 
which vehicle safety technologies may be mounted. The other parameters 
would remain unchanged. The Agency believes the potential economic 
impact of these changes is negligible. The proposed amendments do not 
impose new or more stringent requirements, but simply codify the 
temporary exemptions granted pursuant to 49 CFR part 381 that allow the 
use of the devices/technologies in locations that would previously have 
been a violation of Sec.  393.60(e)(1). More importantly, the 
amendments do not mandate the use of any devices/technologies, but 
simply permit their voluntary use while mounted in a location that 
maximizes their effectiveness without impairing operational safety.

B. Costs and Benefits

    The Agency expects that if a final rule is adopted consistent with 
this NPRM, it would generate cost savings for both industry and the 
Federal Government by reducing the overall time burden associated with 
the exemption request and approval process associated with 49 U.S.C. 
31315 and the implementing regulations under 49 CFR part 381. The 
Agency estimates this NPRM would result in total annualized cost 
savings of $12,184 and $10,705 at 3 percent and 7 percent discount 
rates, respectively.

III. Abbreviations

ADAS Advanced Driver Assistance System
ANPRM Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
BLS U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
CE Categorical Exclusion
CIB Crash Imminent Braking
CMV Commercial Motor Vehicle
DOT Department of Transportation
DBS Dynamic Brake Support
DTNA Daimler Trucks North America
ECEC Employer Costs for Employee Compensation
ELD Electronic Logging Devices
E.O. Executive Order
FASTAct Fixing America's Surface Transportation Act
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FMCSRs Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
FR Federal Register
GS General Schedule
GPS Global Positioning System

[[Page 35451]]

NEPA National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
NPRM Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
OMB Office of Management and Budget
PIA Privacy Impact Assessment
PII Personally Identifiable Information
Secretary Secretary of Transportation
U.S.C. United States Code

IV. Legal Basis for the Rulemaking

    This NPRM is based on the authority of the Motor Carrier Act, 1935 
[1935 Act], the Motor Carrier Safety Act of 1984 [1984 Act], and the 
Fixing America's Surface Transportation (FAST) Act.
    The 1935 Act, as amended, provides that ``[t]he Secretary of 
Transportation may prescribe requirements for--(1) qualifications and 
maximum hours of service of employees of, and safety of operation and 
equipment of, a motor carrier; and (2) qualifications and maximum 
hours-of-service of employees of, and standards of equipment of, a 
motor private carrier, when needed to promote safety of operation.'' 
[49 U.S.C. 31502(b)].
    The 1984 Act provides concurrent authority to regulate drivers, 
motor carriers, and vehicle equipment. It requires the Secretary to 
``prescribe regulations on commercial motor vehicle safety. The 
regulations shall prescribe minimum safety standards for commercial 
motor vehicles. At a minimum, the regulations shall ensure that--(1) 
commercial motor vehicles are maintained, equipped, loaded, and 
operated safely; (2) the responsibilities imposed on operators of 
commercial motor vehicles do not impair their ability to operate the 
vehicles safely; (3) the physical condition of operators of commercial 
motor vehicles is adequate to enable them to operate vehicles safely . 
. . ; (4) the operation of commercial motor vehicles does not have a 
deleterious effect on the physical condition of the operators; and (5) 
an operator of a commercial motor vehicle is not coerced by a motor 
carrier, shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary to operate a 
commercial motor vehicle in violation of a regulation promulgated under 
this section, or chapter 51 or chapter 313 of this title.'' [49 U.S.C. 
31136(a)].
    Section 5301 of the FAST Act directs FMCSA to exempt voluntary 
mounting of a vehicle safety technology on a windshield if that 
technology is likely to achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to 
or greater than the level of safety that would be achieved without the 
exemption [Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1543, Dec. 4, 2015]. Section 
5301(c) also specifies that any regulatory exemption for windshield-
mounted technologies in effect on the date of enactment of the FAST Act 
``shall be considered likely to achieve a level of safety that is 
equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be 
achieved absent an exemption . . . .''
    This NPRM is based in part on the 1935 Act, which allows the Agency 
to regulate the ``safety of operation and equipment'' of a motor 
carrier and the ``standards of equipment'' of a motor private carrier. 
The requirements of 49 U.S.C. 31136 (a)(1), (2), and (4) of the 1984 
Act are also applicable to this rulemaking action. The Agency proposes 
to amend 49 CFR part 393 to allow certain safety equipment to be 
mounted within the area of the windshield swept by the windshield 
wipers. The Agency believes that these changes will be welcomed by 
motor carriers and drivers alike and that coercion to violate these 
revised provisions, which is prohibited by Sec.  31136(a)(5), will not 
be an issue. The NPRM does not involve the physical condition of 
drivers under Sec.  31136(a)(3).
    This NPRM rests in part on the intent of Congress expressed in 
section 5301 of the FAST Act to exempt safety equipment mounted within 
the swept area of windshields, provided such devices do not degrade 
operational safety.
    FMCSA must consider the ``costs and benefits'' of any proposal 
before promulgating regulations (49 U.S.C. 31136(c)(2)(A), 31502(d)).

V. Background

    The fundamental purpose of 49 CFR part 393, ``Parts and Accessories 
Necessary for Safe Operation,'' is to ensure that no employer shall 
operate a CMV, or cause or permit it to be operated, unless it is 
equipped in accordance with the requirements and specifications of this 
part. However, nothing contained in part 393 shall be construed to 
prohibit the use of additional equipment and accessories, not 
inconsistent with or prohibited by part 393, provided such equipment 
and accessories do not decrease the safety of operation of the CMVs on 
which they are used (Sec.  393.3).
    Section 5301 of the FAST Act directed the Agency to amend the 
FMCSRs to allow devices to be mounted on the windshield that utilize 
``vehicle safety technology,'' as defined in the Act. In addition, 
section 5301 stated that all windshield-mounted devices/technologies 
with a limited 2-year exemption in effect on the date of enactment were 
considered to meet the safety standard required for the initial 
exemption, i.e., achieving a level of safety equivalent to, or greater 
than, the level that would be achieved absent the exemption. On 
September 23, 2016, FMCSA published a final rule titled ``Parts and 
Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Windshield-Mounted 
Technologies,'' (81 FR 65568), which amended the FMCSRs to allow the 
voluntary mounting of certain devices on the interior of the 
windshields of CMVs, including placement within the area that is swept 
by the windshield wipers (49 CFR 393.60(e)(1)).

A. Temporary Exemptions

    Since the Agency amended Sec.  393.60 in 2016, FMCSA has granted a 
number of temporary exemptions for the placement of safety technologies 
and devices that require a clear forward-facing visual field for proper 
operation. These devices either need to be mounted within the swept 
area of the windshield, or should be mounted on the windshield so that 
the driver does not have to take his/her eyes off the road to look at 
the device, such as Global Positioning System (GPS) displays.
    On August 3, 2017 (82 FR 36182), FMCSA granted Hino Motors a 5-year 
exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf of motor carriers to 
operate CMVs manufactured by Hino equipped with Automated Emergency 
Braking/Lane Departure Warning system cameras mounted in the 
approximate center of the windshield such that the bottom edge of the 
camera is not more than 7 inches below the upper edge of the windshield 
and outside the driver's sight lines to all mirrors, highway signs, 
signals, and view of the road ahead.
    On January 31, 2018 (83 FR 4543), FMCSA granted DTNA a 5-year 
exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf of CMVs manufactured by 
DTNA equipped with the Attention Assist and Lane Departure Warning 
system camera mounted in the approximate center of the windshield such 
that the bottom edge of the camera is not more than 8.5 inches below 
the top of the area swept by the windshield wipers and outside the 
driver's sight lines to all mirrors, highway signs, signals, and view 
of the road ahead.
    On August 22, 2018 (83 FR 42552), FMCSA granted Traditional 
Trucking Corporation a 5-year exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on 
behalf of motor carriers to operate CMVs equipped with GPS devices 
mounted (1) not more than 100 mm (4 inches) below the upper edge of the 
area swept by the windshield wipers; or (2) not more than 175 mm (7 
inches) above the lower edge of the area swept by the windshield 
wipers; and (3) outside the driver's sight lines to the road and 
highway signs and signals.

[[Page 35452]]

    On April 15, 2019 (84 FR 15284), FMCSA granted SmartDrive a 5-year 
exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf of motor carriers to 
operate CMVs equipped with the SmartDrive's Advanced Driver Assistance 
System (ADAS) camera system mounted in the approximate center of the 
windshield such that the bottom edge of the camera is not more than 8 
inches below the upper edge of the swept area of the windshield wiper 
and outside the driver's sight lines to all mirrors, highway signs, 
signals, and view of the road ahead.
    On November 25, 2019 (84 FR 64952), FMCSA granted Navistar a 5-year 
exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf of motor carriers to 
operate CMVs equipped with Navistar's ADAS mounted in approximately the 
top center of the windshield and such that the bottom edge of the 
camera housing is approximately 8 inches below the upper edge of the 
windshield, outside of the driver's normal sight lines to the road 
ahead, highway signs and signals, and all mirrors.
    On May 21, 2020 (85 FR 31021), FMCSA granted Lytx, Inc. a 5-year 
exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf of motor carriers to 
operate CMVs equipped with Lytx's ADAS mounted in approximately the top 
center of the windshield and such that the bottom edge of the camera 
housing is approximately 8 inches below the upper edge of the area 
swept by the windshield wipers, outside of the driver's normal sight 
lines to the road ahead, highway signs and signals, and all mirrors.
    On October 9, 2020 (85 FR 64220), FMCSA granted Nauto, Inc. a 5-
year exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf of motor carriers to 
operate CMVs equipped with Nauto's multi-sensor device mounted in 
approximately the top center of the windshield and such that the bottom 
edge of the multi-sensor device housing is approximately 8 inches below 
the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers, outside of 
the driver's normal sight lines to the road ahead, highway signs and 
signals, and all mirrors.
    On October 28, 2020 (85 FR 68409), FMCSA granted Samsara Networks, 
Inc. a 5-year exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf of motor 
carriers to operate CMVs equipped with Samsara's AI Dash Cam device 
mounted in approximately the top center of the windshield and such that 
the bottom edge of the AI Dash Cam device is approximately 8 inches 
below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers, 
outside of the driver's normal sight lines to the road ahead, highway 
signs and signals, and all mirrors.
    On November 24, 2020 (85 FR 75106), FMCSA granted J.J. Keller & 
Associates, Inc. a 5-year exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf 
of motor carriers operating CMVs equipped with J. J. Keller's ADAS 
camera mounted in approximately the top center of the windshield and 
such that the bottom edge of the camera housing is approximately 8 
inches below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers, 
outside of the driver's normal sight lines to the road ahead, highway 
signs and signals.
    On December 18, 2020 (85 FR 82575), FMCSA granted Netradyne Inc. a 
5-year exemption from 49 CFR 393.60(e)(1) on behalf of motor carriers 
operating CMV's utilizing the Netradyne Driveri[supreg] Dash Cam which 
is mounted near the top center of the windshield, with the bottom of 
the camera housing located approximately 8 inches below the top of the 
area swept by the windshield wipers, and outside the driver's sight 
lines to the road and highway signs and signals.

B. Petition for Rulemaking

    On March 10, 2019, DTNA petitioned the Agency to initiate a 
rulemaking to amend 49 CFR 393.60, ``Parts and Accessories Necessary 
for Safe Operation, Glazing in Specified Openings.'' \1\ DTNA sought a 
revision to 49 CFR 393.60(e)(l)(ii)(A) to allow safety-enhancing 
technologies to be placed on the interior of the windshield within 8.5 
inches below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers, 
which would make permanent the exemption the Agency granted DTNA in 
2018. The petition also asked FMCSA to expand the definition of vehicle 
safety technology, found at Sec.  393.5, to include additional items of 
equipment that are intended to promote driver, occupant, and roadway 
safety. These items included braking warning systems, braking assist 
systems, automatic emergency braking, driver camera system, attention 
assist warning, and traffic sign recognition.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ The petition is available at https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/petitions-0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

VI. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking

    FMCSA proposes to amend Sec.  393.60(e) to allow certain additional 
vehicle safety technologies to be mounted on the interior of the 
windshield of a CMV, within a defined portion of the swept area of the 
windshield. FMCSA is proposing to modify the definition of vehicle 
safety technology in Sec.  393.5 of the FMCSRs, to add technologies 
that had been granted temporary exemptions from Sec.  393.60(e) since 
the 2016 final rule. Consistent with the terms and conditions outlined 
in the various temporary exemptions currently in effect, FMCSA proposes 
to require devices that must be mounted within the area swept by the 
windshield wipers to be located (1) not more than 216 mm (8.5 inches) 
below the upper edge, and (2) not more than 175 mm (7 inches) above the 
lower edge of the swept area. Additionally, and consistent with the 
existing regulation and the terms and conditions of the temporary 
exemptions, the devices would have to be located outside the driver's 
sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.
    Similar to the 2016 amendments to Sec.  393.60, this NPRM proposes 
to update the FMCSRs in response to the development and proliferation 
of devices that utilize new and innovative vehicle safety technologies 
that did not exist at the time the previous requirements were adopted. 
If finalized, this NPRM rule would add GPS to the list of vehicle 
safety technologies even though the GPS display does not require a 
clear forward-facing visual field through the windshield. As discussed 
in the Traditional Trucking Corporation temporary exemption, GPS 
devices cannot be mounted to the ``face'' of the CMVs control panel as 
that area is covered with controls and displays necessary for the 
operation of the CMV. The GPS device can be located on top of the dash, 
which in many cases leaves the GPS in the same visual field as if the 
GPS were located on the windshield in the lower allowable area. 
Mounting the GPS lower on the dash would take the driver's eyes farther 
from the road. The size of GPS display units is approximately the same 
size as the currently allowed vehicle safety technologies in the 
driver's visual field. These devices/technologies have been proven to 
improve safety and vehicle operations.
    The first temporary exemption from Sec.  393.60(e)(1) was granted 
in March 2009, and FMCSA has over 12 years of real-world experience 
overseeing motor carriers operating CMVs using devices mounted on the 
interior of the windshield and marginally within the area swept by the 
windshield wipers. FMCSA is unaware of any crashes during that time 
attributed to the location of such devices.
    To assist in development of the proposed regulatory revisions, the 
Agency specifically requests responses to the following questions:
    1. Does the definition of vehicle safety technology need to be 
expanded further

[[Page 35453]]

to address other potential technologies and/or multifunction devices 
such as electronic logging devices that incorporate technologies such 
as GPS that either require placement in the approximate middle of the 
CMV windshield or would benefit driver safety by not diverting the CMV 
driver's eyes from the road and would be subject to the positioning 
requirements of Sec.  393.60(e)(1)?
    2. Would the proposed position of allowable vehicle safety 
technologies (not more than 8.5 inches below the upper and 7 inches 
above the lower edge of the swept area of the windshield) be sufficient 
for current and developing devices?

VII. Section-by-Section Analysis

    This section-by-section analysis describes the proposed changes in 
numerical order.

A. Section 393.5 Definitions

    The definition for vehicle safety technology would be revised by 
adding more examples of vehicle safety technologies to those listed in 
the definition.

B. Section 393.60 Glazing in Specified Openings

    This section would be revised by replacing ``100 mm (4 inches)'' 
with ``216 mm (8.5 inches)'' in paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(A). Additionally, 
a new paragraph (e)(1)(ii)(C) would be added to read ``Outside the 
driver's sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals.''

VIII. Regulatory Analyses

A. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review), E.O. 
13563 (Improving Regulation and Regulatory Review), and DOT Regulatory 
Policies and Procedures

    FMCSA has considered the impact of this notice of proposed 
rulemaking 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, and DOT's regulatory policies and 
procedures. OIRA determined that this notice of proposed rulemaking is 
not a significant regulatory action under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866, 
as supplemented by E.O. 13563, 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 these Orders.
    Additionally, this NPRM supports Executive Order 13859 which states 
that ``the policy of the United States Government is to sustain and 
enhance the scientific, technological, and economic leadership position 
of the United States in AI [artificial intelligence].'' \2\ The 
deployment of AI holds the promise to improve efficiency, 
effectiveness, safety, fairness, welfare, transparency, and other 
economic and social goals, and America's continued status as a global 
leader in AI development is important to preserving our economic and 
national security. The importance of developing and deploying AI 
requires a regulatory approach that fosters innovation and growth and 
engenders trust, while protecting core American values, through both 
regulatory and non-regulatory actions and reducing unnecessary barriers 
to the development and deployment of AI. To support innovation and 
growth in the technological sector of CMV safety, FMCSA is issuing this 
NPRM as a response to a rulemaking petition from DTNA.\3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ See Exec. Order No. 13,859, section 1, 84 FR 3967
    \3\ https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/petitions-0.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Baseline for the Analysis
    The mounting of devices on the interior of the windshield within 
the area swept by the windshield wipers is prohibited under 49 CFR 
393.60(e), unless they are vehicle safety technologies. FMCSA has 
authority under 49 U.S.C. 31315(b) to grant exemptions from certain 
parts of the FMCSRs. FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption 
request in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must 
provide the public an opportunity to inspect the information relevant 
to the application, including any safety analyses that have been 
conducted. The Agency must also provide an opportunity for public 
comment on the request. FMCSA notes that the burden associated with 
preparing an exemption request is not included in a currently approved 
information collection request (ICR), and is pursuing completion of 
that ICR outside of this rulemaking.
    As originally enacted, 49 U.S.C. 31315(b) allowed an exemption from 
a regulation (and a renewal) for no longer than 2 years from its 
approval date. Section 5206(a)(3) of the FAST Act (Pub. L. 114-94, 129 
Stat. 1312, 1534-1535 Dec. 4, 2015) amended section 31315(b) to allow 
an exemption to be granted for no longer than 5 years and to be 
renewed, upon request, for subsequent periods no longer than 5 years. 
49 CFR 381.300 (b)
    Section 393.60(e)(1)(i) of the FMCSRs prohibits the obstruction of 
the driver's field of view by devices mounted on the interior of the 
windshield. Antennas and similar devices must not be mounted more than 
152 mm (6 inches) below the upper edge of the windshield, and outside 
the driver's sight lines to the road and highway signs and signals. 
Section 393.60(e)(1)(i) does not apply to vehicle safety technologies, 
as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, including ``a fleet-related incident 
management system, performance or behavior management system, speed 
management system, lane departure warning system, forward collision 
warning or mitigation system, active cruise control system, and 
transponder.'' Section 393.60(e)(1)(ii) requires devices with vehicle 
safety technologies to be mounted (1) not more than 100 mm (4 inches) 
below the upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers, or (2) 
not more than 175 mm (7 inches) above the lower edge of the area swept 
by the windshield wipers, and outside the driver's sight lines to the 
road and highway signs and signals.
    This NPRM proposes revisions to 49 CFR 393.60 to expand the area 
where vehicle safety technologies (e.g., lane departure warning 
systems, forward collision warning and mitigation systems utilizing 
automated emergency braking, enhanced driver performance and behavior 
management and coaching systems) could be installed on the interior of 
windshields of CMVs. The NPRM, if finalized consistent with the terms 
proposed, would generate cost savings for both industry and government 
and is anticipated to achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or 
greater than, the level that would be achieved by the current 
regulation.
    Table 1 provides a summary of the affected population, costs, cost 
savings, and benefits of this NPRM.

[[Page 35454]]

              Table 1--Summary of the Impacts of This NPRM
------------------------------------------------------------------------
                Category                             Summary
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Applicability..........................  Revisions to 49 CFR 393.60 to
                                          expand the area vehicle safety
                                          technologies could be
                                          installed on the interior
                                          windshield of CMVs.
Affected Population....................  Potentially, all CMVs, as
                                          defined in 49 CFR 390.5.
Costs..................................  There would be no costs to
                                          industry or the Federal
                                          Government.
Industry Costs Savings ($, 7 percent     10-year: $3,992.
 discount rate).                         Annualized: $568.
Federal Government Cost Savings ($, 7    10-year: $71,196.
 percent discount rate).                 Annualized: $10,136.
Total Cost Savings ($, 7 percent         10-year: $75,189.
 discount rate).                         Annualized: $10,705.
Benefits...............................  This NPRM, if finalized, would
                                          provide a greater available
                                          area for the voluntary
                                          deployment of windshield-
                                          mounted safety technologies
                                          such as lane departure warning
                                          systems and automated
                                          emergency braking safety
                                          systems which have the
                                          potential to reduce
                                          fatalities, injuries, and
                                          property damages while
                                          maintaining a level of safety
                                          equivalent to, or greater
                                          than, the level that would be
                                          achieved by the current
                                          regulation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Cost, Cost Savings & Benefits
    This NPRM proposes two changes to the Parts and Accessories 
Necessary for Safe Operation regulations in 49 CFR part 393, subpart A 
and subpart D.
    Under the existing Sec.  393.5 definitions, vehicle safety 
technology includes a fleet-related incident management system, 
performance or behavior management system, speed management system, 
lane departure warning system, forward collision warning or mitigation 
system, active cruise control system, and transponder. Under the 
proposed rulemaking Sec.  393.5 definitions would now also include 
braking warning systems, braking assist systems, automatic emergency 
braking, driver camera systems, attention assist warning, Global 
Positioning Systems and traffic sign recognition. Vehicle safety 
technology includes systems and devices that contain cameras, lidar, 
radar, sensors and/or video.
    As a result of the proposed change, there would be new examples of 
vehicle safety technology devices and systems which would better 
accommodate the vehicle manufacturer advancements in the field of 
driver assistance technologies. The proposed change would have no cost. 
There would be benefits accrued through improved safety performance of 
CMVs via fatality, injury, and property damage prevention. For example, 
lane departure warning systems are anticipated to prevent accidents 
involving striking a car in an adjoining lane, which could either 
involve ``sideswiping'' a vehicle traveling in the same direction or 
hitting a vehicle traveling in the opposite direction, and rollovers, 
which often occur when a vehicle leaves the road. Additionally, 
automatic Emergency Braking systems engage dynamic brake support or 
crash-imminent braking to potentially save lives and reduce moderate 
and less severe rear-end crashes.
    With regards to the existing Sec.  393.60, (e)(1)(ii), Paragraph 
(e)(1)(i) of this section does not apply to vehicle safety 
technologies, as defined in Sec.  393.5, that are mounted on the 
interior of a windshield. Devices with vehicle safety technologies must 
be mounted outside the driver's sight lines to the road and to highway 
signs and signals, and:
     Not more than 100 mm (4 inches) below the upper edge of 
the area swept by the windshield wipers.
     Not more than 175 mm (7 inches) above the lower edge of 
the area swept by the windshield wipers.
    Under the proposed change to Sec.  393.60, (e)(1)(ii), Paragraph 
(e)(1)(i) of this section does not apply to vehicle safety 
technologies, as defined in Sec.  393.5, that are mounted on the 
interior of a windshield. Devices with vehicle safety technologies must 
be mounted outside the driver's sight lines to the road and to highway 
signs and signals, and:
     Not more than 216 mm (8.5 inches) below the upper edge of 
the area swept by the windshield wipers; or
     Not more than 175 mm (7 inches) above the lower edge of 
the area swept by the windshield wipers; and
     Outside the driver's sight lines to the road and highway 
signs and signals.
    This proposed change would expand the area available for mounting 
vehicle safety technologies on the interior of a windshield. The 
proposed change would have no cost but would result in an annualized 
cost savings from reduced exemption application and approval process. 
The cost savings are estimated to be $12,184 and $10,705 at 3 percent 
and 7 percent discount rates.
Wage Rates
    For this analysis, we calculated private sector wages using 2019 
wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational 
Employment Statistics for the Management of Companies and Enterprises 
(North American Industry Classification System 551100). We used median 
hourly wage for Standard Occupational Classification Code 11-2021--
Marketing Managers which is $65.79.\4\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \4\ https://www.bls.gov/oes/2019/may/oes_nat.htm (last accessed 
April 20, 2021).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We added a load factor to the industry wages for Marketing Managers 
using December 2019 wage and total compensation data from the BLS 
Employer Costs for Employee Compensation (ECEC) survey, which accounts 
for employee benefits. This load factor represents the total benefits 
as a percentage of total salary.\5\ We multiply the median hourly wage 
by the load factor to get the full loaded wage of $94.74.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \5\ We calculate the load factor for wages by dividing total 
compensation by wages and salaries. For this analysis, we used BLS' 
ECEC/Management, professional, and related occupations. Using 
December 2019 data, we divided the total compensation amount of 
$60.83 by the wage and salary amount of $42.33 to get the load 
factor of 1.44 ($60.83 divided by $42.33). This data is found in 
table 9 of the ECEC Historical Listing. https://www.bls.gov/web/ecec/ececqrtn.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    We utilize Federal Government employee wage rates based on the 
Office of Personnel Management (OPM) 2019 General Schedule (GS) pay for 
the DC-MD-VA-WV-PA locality for a GS-15 grade.\6\ Using OPM data, we 
generate an

[[Page 35455]]

hourly wage for a GS-15 Step 1 grade to be $66.05.\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \6\ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2019/DCB.pdf.
    \7\ https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/pdf/2019/DCB_h.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    OMB publishes an object class analysis of the budget of the U.S. 
Government.\8\ The object class provides the actual values that, in 
2019, DOT spent $5,931 million in full-time permanent employee 
compensation and $2,497 million in civilian employee benefits. Based on 
this, FMCSA estimates a fringe benefit rate of 42.10 percent (2,497/
5,931) for FMCSA personnel or $27.81 ($66.05 x 42.10 percent). The 
fully loaded hourly wage for a GS-15 Step 1 is $93.86 ($66.05 + 
$27.81).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \8\ https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/BUDGET-2021-OBJCLASS/pdf/BUDGET-2021-OBJCLASS.pdf.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Costs
    Motor carriers, industry technological manufacturers, and drivers 
would not incur any new costs associated with this NPRM. Adopting and 
using windshield-mounted technologies is purely optional. Those who 
install and use windshield-mounted technologies would experience no 
added burdens or costs.
    In CMVs, drivers sit in an elevated position that greatly improves 
the forward visual field. When FMCSA previously granted exemptions, it 
found that doing so would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent 
to, or greater than, the level of safety achieved without the 
exemption. As described in Section VI. of this NPRM, since issuing the 
first temporary exemption from Sec.  393.60(e)(1) in 2009, FMCSA is 
unaware of any crashes that have been attributed to the location of 
such devices.
    The expanded location--not more than 216 mm (8.5 inches) below the 
upper edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers, and not more 
than 175 mm (7 inches) above the lower edge of the area swept- is 
expected to keep pace with technological advances and further aid in 
meeting the statutory requirements of the FAST Act. The expanded area 
is outside the driver's line of sight to the road, highway signs, and 
signals.
Cost Savings
    We anticipate that this NPRM, if finalized consistent with the 
terms proposed, would generate cost savings to (1) motor carrier 
companies that file fewer periodic exemption requests, and (2) the 
Federal Government by reducing the volume of exemption requests to be 
reviewed and processed.
    Several manufacturers of windshield-mounted technologies have 
requested exemptions from FMCSA. We estimate that this takes about 2 
hours of company time. Manufacturers, on average, apply for 3 
exemptions per year. Table 3 provides the 10-year time horizon cost 
savings stream based on the yearly undiscounted $568 (rounded to the 
nearest whole dollar) cost savings to industry if this NPRM would be 
finalized in 2022.\9\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \9\ Loaded Hourly wage x Number of Hours x Average number of 
exemptions ($94.74 x 2 x 3).

                           Table 3--Total and Annualized Cost Savings to Industry \10\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Total             Total discounted
                              Year                                 undiscounted  -------------------------------
                                                                   costs savings     7 percent       3 percent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022............................................................            $568            $531            $552
2023............................................................             568             496             536
2024............................................................             568             464             520
2025............................................................             568             434             505
2026............................................................             568             405             490
2027............................................................             568             379             476
2028............................................................             568             354             462
2029............................................................             568             331             449
2030............................................................             568             309             436
2031............................................................             568             289             423
    Total.......................................................           5,684           3,992           5,519
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Annualized..................................................  ..............             568             647
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Federal Government employees who possess the technical knowledge 
required to review windshield exemption applications are senior 
engineers and attorneys at the GS-15 grade. A final approval letter for 
an exemption is granted by the Associate Administrator at the Senior 
Executive Service level.\11\ We estimate the total time from initial 
exemption receipt to final approval to be 12 hours. Table 4 provides 
the 10-year time horizon cost savings stream based on the yearly 
undiscounted $10,137 (rounded to the nearest whole dollar) cost savings 
to the Federal Government if this NPRM would be finalized in 2022.\12\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \10\ (Total Cost Savings in this table may not equal the sum 
total of yearly cost savings due to rounding in underlying 
calculations).
    \11\ The Agency is assuming that an Associate Administrator at 
the Senior Executive Service level is equivalent to a GS-15 grade 
for the purpose of this analysis.
    \12\ Loaded Hourly Wage x Number of Hours x Average number of 
exemptions x Personnel ($93.86 x 12 x 3 x 3).

                    Table 4--Total and Annualized Cost Savings to the Federal Government \13\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Total             Total discounted
                              Year                                 undiscounted  -------------------------------
                                                                   costs savings     7 percent       3 percent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022............................................................         $10,137          $9,474          $9,842
2023............................................................          10,137           8,854           9,555
2024............................................................          10,137           8,275           9,277
2025............................................................          10,137           7,733           9,006
2026............................................................          10,137           7,227           8,744

[[Page 35456]]

 
2027............................................................          10,137           6,755           8,489
2028............................................................          10,137           6,313           8,242
2029............................................................          10,137           5,900           8,002
2030............................................................          10,137           5,514           7,769
2031............................................................          10,137           5,153           7,543
    Total.......................................................         101,368          71,197          98,416
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Annualized..................................................  ..............          10,137          11,537
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Table 5 provides the total 10-year time horizon cost savings stream 
based on the yearly undiscounted cost savings of $10,705 (rounded to 
the nearest whole dollar) for both industry and the Federal Government.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \13\ (Total Cost Savings in this table may not equal the sum 
total of yearly cost savings due to rounding in underlying 
calculations).

                     Table 5--Total Cost Savings for Industry & the Federal Government \14\
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
                                                                       Total             Total discounted
                              Year                                 undiscounted  -------------------------------
                                                                   costs savings     7 percent       3 percent
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2022............................................................         $10,705         $10,005         $10,393
2023............................................................          10,705           9,350          10,091
2024............................................................          10,705           8,739           9,797
2025............................................................          10,705           8,167           9,511
2026............................................................          10,705           7,633           9,234
2027............................................................          10,705           7,133           8,965
2028............................................................          10,705           6,667           8,704
2029............................................................          10,705           6,231           8,451
2030............................................................          10,705           5,823           8,205
2031............................................................          10,705           5,442           7,966
    Total.......................................................         107,053          75,189         103,934
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
    Annualized..................................................  ..............          10,705          12,184
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Benefits
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \14\ (Total Cost Savings in this table may not equal the sum 
total of yearly cost savings due to rounding in underlying 
calculations).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agency was unable to identify literature that quantified the 
benefits of increasing the allowable windshield area for the mounting 
of vehicle safety technologies. In the absence of such analyses, the 
Agency did not quantify benefits associated with the NPRM, though it 
believes that the rule has the potential to improve the safety of CMV 
operations.15 16 The Agency also finds that CMVs outfitted 
with vehicle safety technologies under current exemptions do not 
present an increased safety risk compared to other CMVs.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \15\ https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/4.
    \16\ https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/10.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Discussion of Alternatives
    When preparing this NPRM, FMCSA considered two alternatives. In 
this section, we examine how the cost of the proposal would change with 
each alternative.
    Alternative 1:
    No Action.
    Using this alternative, FMCSA would accept the status quo and not 
change the current exemption approval requirements. This alternative 
currently limits the windshield area in which new safety technologies 
can be mounted to not more than 100 mm (4 inches) below the upper edge 
of the area swept by the windshield wipers or not more than 175 mm (7 
inches) above the lower edge of the area swept by the windshield 
wipers. This alternative does not favor innovation and technological 
growth, nor does it reduce the overall burden to industry of applying 
for, and to the Federal Government of reviewing, exemptions. This 
alternative would maintain the approximately $10,705 (annualized, 7 
percent discount rate) in annual costs associated with the overall 
exemption request and approval process.
    Alternative 2:
    Preferred Alternative-- Revise 49 CFR 393.60 to expand the 
windshield area where vehicle safety technologies could be installed on 
CMVs and revise 49 CFR 393.5 to broaden the definition of vehicle 
safety technology.
    Using this alternative, FMCSA would increase the allowable 
windshield area for installation of vehicle safety technologies. This 
would lead to an estimated $10,705 in annual cost savings without any 
estimated cost increase or reduction in benefits, as this analysis 
shows.

B. Congressional Review Act

    Pursuant to the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801-808), the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs designated this rule as 
not a ``major rule,'' as defined by 5 U.S.C. 804(2).\17\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \17\ A ``major rule'' means any rule that OMB finds has resulted 
in or is likely to result in (a) an annual effect on the economy of 
$100 million or more; (b) a major increase in costs or prices for 
consumers, individual industries, Federal agencies, State agencies, 
local government agencies, or geographic regions; or (c) significant 
adverse effects on competition, employment, investment, 
productivity, innovation, or on the ability of United States-based 
enterprises to compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic 
and export markets (5 U.S.C. 804(2)).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

C. 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

[[Page 35457]]

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.

D. Regulatory Flexibility Act

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), as amended 
by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996,\18\ 
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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \18\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857, (Mar. 29, 1996).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agency expects that this NPRM, if finalized consistent with the 
proposed terms, would not have a significant economic impact on small 
entities. We expect a final rule consistent with the NPRM to result in 
cost savings to industry and the Federal Government.
    FMCSA expects the average costs to manufacturers of windshield-
mounted equipment associated with avoiding the need for exemption 
applications would be reduced by $568 per year (annualized, 7 percent 
discount rate). We calculate that 100 percent of small equipment 
manufacturers impacted by this NPRM would have a cost savings less than 
1 percent of their annual revenue. No small governmental jurisdictions 
would be impacted by this NPRM.
    Consequently, I certify that the proposed action would not have a 
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. 
If you think that your business, organization, or governmental 
jurisdiction qualifies as a small entity and that this NPRM would have 
a significant economic impact on it, please submit a comment to the 
docket at the address listed in the ADDRESSES section of this preamble. 
In your comment, explain why you think it qualifies and how and to what 
degree this NPRM would economically affect it.

E. Assistance for Small Entities

    In accordance with section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory 
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996,\19\ FMCSA wants to assist small 
entities in understanding this NPRM so they can better evaluate its 
effects on themselves and participate in the rulemaking initiative. If 
the NPRM 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \19\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857, (Mar. 29, 1996).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    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 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.

F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995

    The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538) 
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 $170 million (which is the value equivalent 
of $100 million in 1995, adjusted for inflation to 2020 levels) or more 
in any 1 year. Because this NPRM would not result in such an 
expenditure, a written statement is not required. However, FMCSA does 
discuss the costs and benefits of this NPRM in the preamble.

G. Paperwork Reduction Act

    This NPRM contains no new information collection requirements under 
the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520). FMCSA notes 
that the burden associated with preparing an exemption request is not 
included in a currently approved information collection request (ICR), 
and is pursuing completion of that ICR outside of this rulemaking.

H. 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.

I. Privacy

    The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,\20\ 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 (PII). Because this NPRM does not 
require the collection of PII, the Agency is not required to conduct a 
privacy impact assessment (PIA). Section 208 of the E-Government Act of 
2002 (44 U.S.C. 3501 note) requires Federal agencies to conduct a 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.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \20\ Public Law 108-447, 118 Stat. 2809, 3268, note following 5 
U.S.C. 552a (Dec. 4, 2014).
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The Agency will complete a Privacy Threshold Assessment (PTA) to 
evaluate the risks and effects the NPRM might have on collecting, 
storing, and sharing personally identifiable information. The DOT 
Privacy Office has determined that this rulemaking does not create 
privacy risk.

J. 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.

[[Page 35458]]

K. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969

    FMCSA analyzed this NPRM for the purpose of the National 
Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) (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.bb. The Categorical Exclusion (CE) in paragraph 6.bb. 
addresses regulations concerning vehicle operation safety standards 
(e.g., regulations requiring: Certain motor carriers to use approved 
equipment which is required to be installed such as an ignition cut-off 
switch, or carried onboard, such as a fire extinguisher, and/or 
stricter blood alcohol concentration standards for drivers, etc.), 
equipment approval, and/or equipment carriage requirements (e.g., fire 
extinguishers and flares).
    The proposed requirements in this rule are covered by this CE and 
the NPRM does not have any effect on the quality of the environment.

List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 393

    Highway safety, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety.
    Accordingly, FMCSA proposes to amend 49 CFR chapter III, part 393 
as follows:

PART 393--PARTS AND ACCESSORIES NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION

0
1. The authority citation for part 393 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31151, and 31502; sec. 1041(b) of 
Pub. L. 102-240, 105 Stat. 1914, 1993 (1991); sec. 5301 and 5524 of 
Pub. L. 114-94, 129 Stat. 1312, 1543, 1560; and 49 CFR 1.87.

0
2. Amend Sec.  393.5 by revising the definition of Vehicle safety 
technology to read as follows:

Sec.  393.5  Definitions.

* * * * *
    Vehicle safety technology. Vehicle safety technology includes 
systems and items of equipment to promote driver, occupant and roadway 
safety. Examples of vehicle safety technology systems and devices 
include a fleet-related incident management system, performance or 
behavior management system, speed management system, lane departure 
warning system, forward collision warning or mitigation system, active 
cruise control system, transponder, braking warning system, braking 
assist system, automatic emergency braking, driver camera system, 
attention assist warning, Global Positioning Systems and traffic sign 
recognition. Vehicle safety technology includes systems and devices 
that contain cameras, lidar, radar, sensors and/or video.
* * * * *
0
3. Amend Sec.  393.60 by revising paragraph (e)(1)(ii) to read as 
follows:

Sec.  393.60  Glazing in specified openings.

* * * * *
    (e) Prohibition on obstructions to the driver's field of view--(1) 
Devices mounted on the interior of the windshield.
* * * * *
    (ii) Paragraph (e)(1)(i) of this section does not apply to vehicle 
safety technologies, as defined in Sec.  393.5, that are mounted on the 
interior of a windshield. Devices with vehicle safety technologies must 
be mounted:
    A. Not more than 216 mm (8.5 inches) below the upper edge of the 
area swept by the windshield wipers;
    B. Not more than 175 mm (7 inches) above the lower edge of the area 
swept by the windshield wipers; and
    C. Outside the driver's sight lines to the road and highway signs 
and signals.
* * * * *

    Issued under the authority of delegation in 49 CFR 1.87
Meera Joshi,
Deputy Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2021-14040 Filed 7-2-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P