Source: https://regulations.justia.com/regulations/fedreg/2017/05/23/2017-10554.html
Timestamp: 2020-08-09 06:21:10
Document Index: 227555669

Matched Legal Cases: ['arts 350', 'art 383', '§ 381', 'arts 350', '§ 383', '§ 391']

Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler), 23705-23706 [2017-10554] :: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration :: Department Of Transportation :: Regulation Tracker :: Justia
Justia Regulation Tracker Department Of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler), 23705-23706 [2017-10554]
Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler), 23705-23706 [2017-10554]
Download as PDF Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 98 / Tuesday, May 23, 2017 / Notices DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration I. Public Participation [Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0032] Viewing Comments and Documents Commercial Driver’s License Standards: Application for Exemption; Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant of application for exemption. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption to Daimler Trucks North America (Daimler) for one of its commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Daimler requested a 5-year exemption from the Federal requirement to hold a U.S. commercial driver’s license (CDL) for Mr. Kai Zeuner, a project engineer for the Daimler Trucks and Bus Division. Mr. Zeuner holds a valid German commercial license and wants to testdrive Daimler vehicles on U.S. roads to better understand product requirements for these systems in ‘‘real world’’ environments, and verify results. Daimler believes the requirements for a German commercial license ensure that holders of the license will likely achieve a level of safety equal to or greater than that of drivers who hold a U.S. Stateissued CDL. DATES: This exemption is effective May 23, 2017 and expires May 23, 2022. ADDRESSES: Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to www.regulations.gov at any time or visit Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. The on-line FDMS is available 24 hours each day, 365 days each year. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to www.regulations.gov, as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. Thomas Yager, Chief, FMCSA Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards; Telephone: 614–942–6477. Email: MCPSD@dot.gov. If you have questions on viewing or submitting sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES SUMMARY: VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:15 May 22, 2017 Jkt 241001 material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: To view comments, as well as documents mentioned in this preamble as being available in the docket, go to www.regulations.gov and insert the docket number, ‘‘FMCSA–2012–0032 in the ‘‘Keyword’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’ Next, click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’ button and choose the document to review. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may view the docket online by visiting the Docket Management Facility in Room W12–140 on the ground floor of the DOT West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. II. Legal Basis FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. 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. The Agency reviews the safety analyses and the public comments, and determines whether granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved by the current regulation (49 CFR 381.305). The decision of the Agency must be published in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)) with the reason for the grant or denial, and, if granted, the specific person or class of persons receiving the exemption, and the regulatory provision or provisions from which exemption is granted. The notice must also specify the effective period of the exemption (up to 5 years), and explain the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)). Request for Exemption On behalf of Mr. Kai Zeuner, Daimler has applied for a 5-year exemption from 49 CFR 383.23, which prescribes licensing requirements for drivers operating CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce. Mr. Zeuner is unable to obtain a CDL in any of the States due to his lack of residency in the PO 00000 Frm 00185 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 23705 United States. A copy of the application is in Docket No. FMCSA–2012–0032. The exemption would allow Mr. Zeuner to operate CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce to support Daimler field tests designed to meet future vehicle safety and environmental requirements and to develop improved safety and emission technologies. Mr. Zeuner needs to drive Daimler vehicles on public roads to better understand ‘‘real world’’ environments in the U.S. market. According to Daimler, Mr. Zeuner will typically drive for no more than 6 hours per day for 2 consecutive days, and 10 percent of the test driving will be on two-lane State highways, while 90 percent will be on interstate highways. The driving will consist of no more than 200 miles per day, for a total of 400 miles during a two-day period on a quarterly basis. He will in all cases be accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with the routes to be traveled. Mr. Zeuner would be required to comply with all applicable Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) (49 CFR parts 350–399) except the CDL provisions described in this notice. Mr. Zeuner holds a valid German commercial license, and as explained by Daimler in its exemption request, the requirements for that license ensure that the same level of safety is met or exceeded as if this driver had a U.S. CDL. Furthermore, according to Daimler, Mr. Zeuner is familiar with the operation of CMVs worldwide. IV. Method To Ensure an Equivalent or Greater Level of Safety FMCSA has previously determined that the process for obtaining a German commercial license is comparable to, or as effective as, the requirements of part 383, and adequately assesses the driver’s ability to operate CMVs in the U.S. Since 2012, FMCSA has granted Daimler drivers similar exemptions [May 25, 2012 (77 FR 31422); July 22, 2014 (79 FR 42626); March 27, 2015 (80 FR 16511); October 5, 2015 (80 FR 60220); December 7, 2015 (80 FR 76059); December 21, 2015 (80 FR 79410)]. V. Public Comments On January 6, 2017, FMCSA published notice of this application and requested public comments (82 FR 1782). Two comments were submitted, which neither opposed nor supported the requested exemption. VI. FMCSA Decision Based upon the merits of this application, including Mr. Zeuner’s E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1 23706 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 98 / Tuesday, May 23, 2017 / Notices extensive driving experience and safety record, FMCSA has concluded that the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption, in accordance with § 381.305(a). VII. Terms and Conditions for the Exemption FMCSA grants Daimler and Kai Zeuner an exemption from the CDL requirement in 49 CFR 383.23 to allow Mr. Zeuner to drive CMVs in this country without a U.S. State-issued CDL, subject to the following terms and conditions: (1) The driver and carrier must comply with all other applicable provisions of the FMCSRs (49 CFR parts 350–399); (2) the driver must be in possession of the exemption document and a valid German commercial license; (3) the driver must be employed by and operate the CMV within the scope of his duties for Daimler; (4) at all times while operating a CMV under this exemption, the driver must be accompanied by a holder of a U.S. CDL who is familiar with the routes traveled; (5) Daimler must notify FMCSA in writing within 5 business days of any accident, as defined in 49 CFR 390.5, involving this driver; and (6) Daimler must notify FMCSA in writing if this driver is convicted of a disqualifying offense under § 383.51 or § 391.15 of the FMCSRs. In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136(e), the exemption will be valid for 5 years unless revoked earlier by the FMCSA. The exemption will be revoked if: (1) Mr. Zeuner fails to comply with the terms and conditions of the exemption; (2) the exemption results in a lower level of safety than was maintained before it was granted; or (3) continuation of the exemption would be inconsistent with the goals and objectives of 49 U.S.C. 31315 and 31136. sradovich on DSK3GMQ082PROD with NOTICES VIII. Preemption In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(d), as implemented by 49 CFR 381.600, during the period this exemption is in effect, no State shall enforce any law or regulation applicable to interstate or intrastate commerce that conflicts with or is inconsistent with this exemption with respect to a firm or person operating under the exemption. Issued on: May 17, 2017. Daphne Y. Jefferson, Deputy Administrator. [FR Doc. 2017–10554 Filed 5–22–17; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 21:15 May 22, 2017 Jkt 241001 DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration [Docket No. FMCSA–2006–2575; FMCSA– 2011–0193; FMCSA–2011–0194; FMCSA– 2013–0183; FMCSA–2013–0186; FMCSA– 2013–0188; FMCSA–2013–0189] Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Diabetes Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT. ACTION: Notice of final disposition. AGENCY: FMCSA announces its decision to renew exemptions of 90 individuals from its prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with insulin-treated diabetes mellitus (ITDM) from operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these individuals with ITDM to continue to operate CMVs in interstate commerce. DATES: Each group of renewed exemptions was effective on the dates stated in the discussions below and will expire on the dates stated in the discussions below. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Christine A. Hydock, Chief, Medical Programs Division, 202–366–4001, fmcsamedical@dot.gov, FMCSA, Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Room W64– 224, Washington, DC 20590–0001. Office hours are from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. If you have questions regarding viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366–9826. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: SUMMARY: I. Electronic Access You may see all the comments online through the Federal Document Management System (FDMS) at: http:// www.regulations.gov. Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or comments, go to http:// www.regulations.gov and/or Room W12–140 on the ground level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays. Privacy Act: In accordance with 5 U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments from the public to better inform its rulemaking process. DOT posts these comments, without edit, including any personal information the commenter provides, to http://www.regulations.gov, PO 00000 Frm 00186 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 as described in the system of records notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can be reviewed at http://www.dot.gov/ privacy. II. Background On November 6, 2015, FMCSA published a notice announcing its decision to renew exemptions for 90 individuals from the insulin-treated diabetes mellitus prohibition in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) to operate a CMV in interstate commerce and requested comments from the public (80 FR 68895). The public comment period ended on December 7, 2015, and no comments were received. As stated in the previous notice, FMCSA has evaluated the eligibility of these applicants and determined that renewing these exemptions would achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved by complying with the current regulation 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3). The physical qualification standard for drivers regarding diabetes found in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3) states that a person is physically qualified to drive a CMV if that person has no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of diabetes mellitus currently requiring insulin for control. III. Discussion of Comments FMCSA received no comments in this preceding. IV. Conclusion Based upon its evaluation of the 90 renewal exemption applications and that no comments were received, FMCSA confirms its’ decision to exempt the following drivers from the rule prohibiting drivers with ITDM from driving CMVs in interstate commerce in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(3): As of November 1, 2015, and in accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315, the following 17 individuals have satisfied the renewal conditions for obtaining an exemption from the rule prohibiting drivers with ITDM from driving CMVs in interstate commerce (78 FR 50482; 78 FR 65754; 80 FR 68895): John K. Abels (IL) Dean A. Bacon (IN) Philip E. Banks (OH) Anthony M. Bride (NJ) Charles E. Dailey (AL) Kenneth D. Denny (WA) Adam M. Hogue (MS) Allen D. LaFave (ND) Greg P. Mason (NY) Thomas D. Miller (MT) Douglas A. Mulligan (KY) David G. Peters (PA) Robert J. Rispoli, Jr. (NY) E:\FR\FM\23MYN1.SGM 23MYN1
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Kai Zeuner, a project engineer for the Daimler Trucks and Bus Division.
Mr. Zeuner holds a valid German commercial license and wants to test-
DATES: This exemption is effective May 23, 2017 and expires May 23,
On behalf of Mr. Kai Zeuner, Daimler has applied for a 5-year
Zeuner is unable to obtain a CDL in any of the States due to his lack
of residency in the United States. A copy of the application is in
Docket No. FMCSA-2012-0032.
improved safety and emission technologies. Mr. Zeuner needs to drive
environments in the U.S. market. According to Daimler, Mr. Zeuner will
days, and 10 percent of the test driving will be on two-lane State
Mr. Zeuner would be required to comply with all applicable Federal
Mr. Zeuner holds a valid German commercial license, and as
Zeuner is familiar with the operation of CMVs worldwide.
On January 6, 2017, FMCSA published notice of this application and
requested public comments (82 FR 1782). Two comments were submitted,
which neither opposed nor supported the requested exemption.
Based upon the merits of this application, including Mr. Zeuner's
FMCSA grants Daimler and Kai Zeuner an exemption from the CDL
requirement in 49 CFR 383.23 to allow Mr. Zeuner to drive CMVs in this
will be revoked if: (1) Mr. Zeuner fails to comply with the terms and