81_FR_19768 81 FR 19703 - Commercial Driver's License: Oregon Department of Transportation; Application for Exemption

81 FR 19703 - Commercial Driver's License: Oregon Department of Transportation; Application for Exemption

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 81, Issue 65 (April 5, 2016)

Page Range19703-19705
FR Document2016-07730

FMCSA announces its decision to grant the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) a limited exemption from the commercial learner's permit (CLP) requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(c). All State Driver's Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) are allowed to use this exemption at their discretion. The exemption will allow ODOT and participating SDLAs to extend to one year the 180-day timeline for the CLP from the date of issuance, without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. Under the exemption, an applicant wishing to have a new CLP after the previous one expires will be required to take all applicable tests before a new CLP is issued.

Federal Register, Volume 81 Issue 65 (Tuesday, April 5, 2016)
[Federal Register Volume 81, Number 65 (Tuesday, April 5, 2016)]
[Notices]
[Pages 19703-19705]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2016-07730]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2015-0397]


Commercial Driver's License: Oregon Department of Transportation; 
Application for Exemption

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

ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant of application for 
exemption.

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

SUMMARY: FMCSA announces its decision to grant the Oregon Department of 
Transportation (ODOT) a limited exemption from the commercial learner's 
permit (CLP) requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(c). All State Driver's 
Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) are allowed to use this exemption at their 
discretion. The exemption will allow ODOT and participating SDLAs to 
extend to one year the 180-day timeline for the CLP from the date of 
issuance, without requiring the CLP holder to retake the general and 
endorsement knowledge tests. Under the exemption, an applicant wishing 
to have a new CLP after the previous one expires will be required to 
take all applicable tests before a new CLP is issued.

DATES: This exemption is effective April 5, 2016, and expires April 5, 
2018.

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: Mrs. Pearlie Robinson, Driver and 
Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle 
Safety Standards;

[[Page 19704]]

Telephone: 202-366-4325, Email: [email protected], Federal Motor Carrier 
Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 
20590-0001. If you have questions on viewing material in the docket, 
contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

I. Public Participation

Viewing Comments and Documents

    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-2015-0397 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 certain parts of 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 safety analyses and public comments submitted, 
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 reasons for denying or granting the application 
and, if granted, the name of the person or class of persons receiving 
the exemption, and the regulatory provision from which the exemption is 
granted. The notice must also specify the effective period and explain 
the terms and conditions of the exemption. The exemption may be renewed 
(49 CFR 381.300(b)).

III. Request for Exemption

    ODOT requested an exemption from the Agency's CLP requirement in 49 
CFR 383.25(c). The regulation provides that the CLP be valid for no 
more than 180 days from the date of issuance. The State may renew the 
CLP for an additional 180 days without requiring the CLP holder to 
retake the general and endorsement knowledge tests. ODOT proposed that 
it be allowed to extend the 180-day timeline to one year for CLPs 
issued to its drivers.
    ODOT provided multiple reasons for regulatory relief from the CLP 
rule. First, ODOT believes that the 180-day time line required to renew 
the CLP adds nothing to the effectiveness of the rule itself, the 
purpose of which is to ``enhance safety by ensuring that only qualified 
drivers are allowed to operate commercial vehicles on our nation's 
highways'' (76 FR 26854, May 9, 2011). ODOT asserts that neither FMCSA 
staff nor the States were able to identify any highway safety 
enhancement arising from this requirement. ODOT states that it is 
unaware of any data suggesting that persons who have not renewed their 
CLP or obtained their CDL within six months pose less risk on the 
Nation's highways.
    Second, ODOT agrees that requiring CLP holders to retake the 
knowledge test after not obtaining a CDL within one year improves 
highway safety, but disagrees that the requirement for renewal at six 
months is needed. According to ODOT, if the exemption is granted, 
ODOT's CLP would have a validity period of one year with no renewal 
allowed. All applicable knowledge tests would be required before a new 
CLP could be issued, which would accomplish the objective of not 
allowing a person to have a CLP longer than one year without passing 
knowledge tests.
    The third reason for the request is that Oregon's ``Department of 
Motor Vehicle (DMV) field offices have a very large volume of work to 
accomplish and, at best, limited resources with which to accomplish it. 
Adding the bureaucratic requirement for a CLP holder to visit a DMV 
office and pay a fee in order to get a second six months of CLP 
validity will add unnecessary workload to offices already stretched to 
the limit. ODOT is confident there would be no negative impact on 
safety if the exemption is granted.''
    According to ODOT, ``If this exemption is not granted, Oregon 
drivers with CLPs who have not passed the CDL skills test within six 
months of CLP issuance would have to go to a DMV office and pay for a 
renewal of the CLP. This would cause undue hardship to the drivers, 
from the perspectives of both their time and their pocketbooks. It 
would also cause undue hardship to our agency, where scarce resources 
would be used to process bureaucratic transactions that add nothing to 
highway safety.''
    In addition, because the issues concerning ODOT's request could be 
applicable in each State, FMCSA requested public comment on whether the 
exemption, if granted, should apply to all SDLAs.

VI. Public Comments

    On November 27, 2015, FMCSA published notice of this application 
and requested public comment (80 FR 74199). The Agency received 10 
comments representing various interests in response to the proposed 
exemption.
    Six comments received in support of the exemption were from the 
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA); Colorado Department of Revenue 
CDL Unit (Colorado); New York Department of Motor Vehicles (New York 
DMV); Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc. (OTA); and two individuals.
    The ALEA commented that ``this requirement is an added financial 
burden to the CLP holder by having to pay additional fees for renewal 
and if applicable, any re-testing fees. Therefore, ALEA is in complete 
agreement with the Oregon Department of Transportation in their 
petition to allow the CLP to be valid for one year.''
    Colorado commented ``Regarding FMCSA's request that should this be 
applicable to all states. Colorado is concerned that 77% of the SDLA's 
have already made the programming changes to issue only a 180 day CLP. 
Making a change at this point could be very confusing and possibly 
expensive for SDLA's and the CDL industry. Colorado would suggest that 
FMCSA leave the rule as is. However, Colorado would also suggest that 
FMCSA work with ODOT one on one regarding this issue to determine if an 
exemption should be granted to ODOT. If FMCSA believes an exemption 
should be granted to ODOT, Colorado would support FMCSA granting 
Oregon's exemption request.''
    The New York DMV commented that ``New York supports granting 
Oregon's request for an exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(c) which requires 
that a CLP must be valid for no more than 180 days. The exemption 
should apply to all SDLAs, allowing states to set their own CLP 
expiration date, provided the CLP's validity does not exceed one 
year.''
    The OTA commented ``FMCSA has asked if the exemption requested by 
ODOT should be extended to other states? Our response is, absolutely 
and we believe FMCSA should go one step further and change the 
underlying regulation to allow issuance of a CLP for 1-year.''

[[Page 19705]]

    Mr. Vardis Gaus wrote ``I believe this extension to be valid.''
    Mr. Daniel Tucker commented ``As a CDL driver, instructor and 
state-certified third-party evaluator I believe this proposal/request 
makes all the sense in the world. Allowing up-to a year practice and 
development for an entry level driver candidate or re-entering driver 
allows them to take as much time necessary to build (or rebuild) 
skills.''
    Four comments opposing the exemption were from the Commercial 
Vehicle Training Association (CVTA) and three individuals.
    The CVTA summarized its opposition to the exemption by stating ``We 
urge FMCSA to deny ODOT's request for an exemption from the 180-day CLP 
renewal requirement. Granting such an exemption carries serious safety 
concerns and sends the wrong message regarding FMCSA's willingness to 
accommodate underfunded CDL programs across the Country. Granting this 
exemption would signal to states that FMCSA will not only tolerate 
state practices of underfunding CDL programs, but will accommodate 
them. Moreover, granting this exemption would undercut Congress' recent 
efforts to put greater pressure on FMCSA and states to ensure that 
state CDL programs are more adequately funded and efficiently 
administered.''
    Josh Anonymous wrote ``Don't do it. Six months is plenty.''
    Mr. Roland Doe wrote ``Send a message to such an unfriendly 
bureaucracy: NO dice on the waiver request. If other states can meet 
the Federal requirement--and the majority of them are much easier to do 
business with--even California--so can ODOT.''
    Mr. Gary Scott commented that ``A learner's permit should only be 
valid for 6 months. If a person cannot achieve a level of proficiency 
within that time period to acquire a permanent CDL then maybe they 
should consider another line of work.''
    All comments are available for review in the docket for this 
notice.

V. FMCSA Response and Decision

    The FMCSA has evaluated ODOT's application on its merits following 
full consideration of the comments submitted to the docket, and has 
decided to grant the exemption from 49 CFR 383.25(c) for a period of 2 
years. The exemption covers ODOT and all SDLAs. Extending the exemption 
to cover all SDLAs, at their discretion, will preclude the need for 
other SDLAs choosing to use the exemption to file identical exemption 
requests. FMCSA believes that safety would not be diminished by 
allowing a validity period of one year for the CLP. The maximum time 
allowed between taking the knowledge tests and obtaining the CDL is 12 
months under the current rule and under the exemption. The exemption 
avoids the necessity of obtaining a renewal of the CLP after 6 months 
if the State chooses to allow that. FMCSA determined that the exemption 
would maintain a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the 
level achieved without the exemption (49 CFR 381.305(a)).

    Issued on: March 25, 2016.
T.F. Scott Darling, III,
Acting Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2016-07730 Filed 4-4-16; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P



                                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Notices                                                 19703

                                                    your comments and material online or                    (FAST Act) [Pub. L. 114–94, 129 Stat.                   Issued on: March 25, 2016.
                                                    by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but                     1312, Dec. 4, 2015], effective October 1,             Larry W. Minor,
                                                    please use only one of these means.                     2015, permits exemptions for no longer                Associate Administrator for Policy.
                                                    FMCSA recommends that you include                       than five years from their dates of                   [FR Doc. 2016–07719 Filed 4–4–16; 8:45 am]
                                                    your name and a mailing address, an                     inception, instead of the previous two                BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
                                                    email address, or a phone number in the                 years. This statutory provision will be
                                                    body of your document so the Agency                     codified in 49 CFR part 381 in a
                                                    can contact you if it has questions                     forthcoming rulemaking.                               DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                    regarding your submission.
                                                       To submit your comment online, go to                 III. Request for Exemption
                                                                                                                                                                  Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                    www.regulations.gov and put the docket                     Daimler has applied for a 5-year                   Administration
                                                    number, ‘‘FMCSA–2012–0032’’ in the                      exemption for Melanie Baumann from
                                                                                                            49 CFR 383.23, which prescribes                       [Docket No. FMCSA–2015–0397]
                                                    ‘‘Keyword’’ box, and click ‘‘Search.’’
                                                    When the new screen appears, click on                   licensing requirements for drivers
                                                                                                                                                                  Commercial Driver’s License: Oregon
                                                    ‘‘Comment Now!’’ button and type your                   operating CMVs in interstate or
                                                                                                                                                                  Department of Transportation;
                                                    comment into the text box in the                        intrastate commerce. Ms. Baumann is
                                                                                                                                                                  Application for Exemption
                                                    following screen. Choose whether you                    unable to obtain a CDL in any of the
                                                    are submitting your comment as an                       U.S. States due to her lack of residency              AGENCY:  Federal Motor Carrier Safety
                                                    individual or on behalf of a third party                in the United States. A copy of the                   Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
                                                    and then submit. If you submit your                     application is in Docket No. FMCSA–                   ACTION: Notice of final disposition; grant
                                                    comments by mail or hand delivery,                      2012–0032.                                            of application for exemption.
                                                    submit them in an unbound format, no                       The exemption would allow Ms.
                                                    larger than 81⁄2 by 11 inches, suitable for             Baumann to operate CMVs in interstate                 SUMMARY:   FMCSA announces its
                                                    copying and electronic filing. If you                   or intrastate commerce to support                     decision to grant the Oregon Department
                                                    submit comments by mail and would                       Daimler field tests designed to meet                  of Transportation (ODOT) a limited
                                                    like to know that they reached the                      future vehicle safety and environmental               exemption from the commercial
                                                    facility, please enclose a stamped, self-               requirements and to promote                           learner’s permit (CLP) requirement in 49
                                                    addressed postcard or envelope. FMCSA                   technological advancements in vehicle                 CFR 383.25(c). All State Driver’s
                                                    will consider all comments and material                 safety systems and emissions                          Licensing Agencies (SDLAs) are allowed
                                                    received during the comment period                      reductions. Ms. Baumann needs to drive                to use this exemption at their discretion.
                                                    and may grant or not grant this                         Daimler vehicles on public roads to                   The exemption will allow ODOT and
                                                    application based on your comments.                     better understand ‘‘real world’’                      participating SDLAs to extend to one
                                                                                                            environments in the U.S. market.                      year the 180-day timeline for the CLP
                                                    II. Legal Basis                                         According to Daimler, Ms. Baumann                     from the date of issuance, without
                                                       FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C.                  will typically drive for no more than 6               requiring the CLP holder to retake the
                                                    31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions                  hours per day for 2 consecutive days,                 general and endorsement knowledge
                                                    from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety                   and that 10 percent of the test driving               tests. Under the exemption, an applicant
                                                    Regulations. FMCSA must publish a                       will be on two-lane State highways,                   wishing to have a new CLP after the
                                                    notice of each exemption request in the                 while 90 percent will be on Interstate                previous one expires will be required to
                                                    Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)).                   highways. The driving will consist of no              take all applicable tests before a new
                                                    The Agency must provide the public an                   more than 200 miles per day, for a total              CLP is issued.
                                                    opportunity to inspect the information                  of 400 miles during a two-day period on
                                                                                                                                                                  DATES: This exemption is effective April
                                                    relevant to the application, including                  a quarterly basis. She will in all cases
                                                                                                                                                                  5, 2016, and expires April 5, 2018.
                                                    any safety analyses that have been                      be accompanied by a holder of a U.S.
                                                    conducted. The Agency must also                         CDL who is familiar with the routes to                ADDRESSES:
                                                    provide an opportunity for public                       be traveled.                                             Docket: For access to the docket to
                                                    comment on the request.                                    Ms. Baumann holds a valid German                   read background documents or
                                                       The Agency reviews the safety                        commercial license, and as explained by               comments, go to www.regulations.gov at
                                                    analyses and the public comments, and                   Daimler in its exemption request, the                 any time or visit Room W12–140 on the
                                                    determines whether granting the                         requirements for that license ensure that             ground level of the West Building, 1200
                                                    exemption would likely achieve a level                  the same level of safety is met or                    New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington,
                                                    of safety equivalent to, or greater than,               exceeded as if this driver had a U.S.                 DC, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET,
                                                    the level that would be achieved by the                 CDL. Furthermore, according to                        Monday through Friday, except Federal
                                                    current regulation (49 CFR 381.305).                    Daimler, Ms. Baumann is familiar with                 holidays. The on-line FDMS is available
                                                    The decision of the Agency must be                      the operation of CMVs worldwide.                      24 hours each day, 365 days each year.
                                                    published in the Federal Register (49                      FMCSA has previously determined                       Privacy Act: In accordance with 5
                                                    CFR 381.315(b)) with the reason for the                 that the process for obtaining a German               U.S.C. 553(c), DOT solicits comments
                                                    grant or denial, and, if granted, the                   commercial license is comparable to, or               from the public to better inform its
                                                    specific person or class of persons                     as effective as, the requirements of part             rulemaking process. DOT posts these
                                                    receiving the exemption, and the                        383, and adequately assesses the                      comments, without edit, including any
                                                    regulatory provision or provisions from                 driver’s ability to operate CMVs in the               personal information the commenter
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    which exemption is granted. The notice                  U.S. Since 2012, FMCSA has granted                    provides, to www.regulations.gov, as
                                                    must also specify the effective period of               Daimler drivers similar exemptions                    described in the system of records
                                                    the exemption (up to 5 years), and                      [May 25, 2012 (77 FR 31422); July 22,                 notice (DOT/ALL–14 FDMS), which can
                                                    explain the terms and conditions of the                 2014 (79 FR 42626); March 27, 2015 (80                be reviewed at www.dot.gov/privacy.
                                                    exemption. The exemption may be                         FR 16511); October 5, 2015 (80 FR                     FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mrs.
                                                    renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).                            60220); December 7, 2015 (80 FR                       Pearlie Robinson, Driver and Carrier
                                                       Section 5206(a)(2) of the ‘‘Fixing                   76059); December 21, 2015 (80 FR                      Operations Division; Office of Carrier,
                                                    America’s Surface Transportation Act,’’                 79410)].                                              Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards;


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                                                    19704                           Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Notices

                                                    Telephone: 202–366–4325, Email:                         that the CLP be valid for no more than                be used to process bureaucratic
                                                    MCPSD@dot.gov, Federal Motor Carrier                    180 days from the date of issuance. The               transactions that add nothing to
                                                    Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey                  State may renew the CLP for an                        highway safety.’’
                                                    Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590–                       additional 180 days without requiring                    In addition, because the issues
                                                    0001. If you have questions on viewing                  the CLP holder to retake the general and              concerning ODOT’s request could be
                                                    material in the docket, contact Docket                  endorsement knowledge tests. ODOT                     applicable in each State, FMCSA
                                                    Services, telephone (202) 366–9826.                     proposed that it be allowed to extend                 requested public comment on whether
                                                    SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:                              the 180-day timeline to one year for                  the exemption, if granted, should apply
                                                                                                            CLPs issued to its drivers.                           to all SDLAs.
                                                    I. Public Participation                                    ODOT provided multiple reasons for
                                                                                                                                                                  VI. Public Comments
                                                    Viewing Comments and Documents                          regulatory relief from the CLP rule.
                                                                                                            First, ODOT believes that the 180-day                    On November 27, 2015, FMCSA
                                                      To view comments, as well as                          time line required to renew the CLP                   published notice of this application and
                                                    documents mentioned in this preamble                    adds nothing to the effectiveness of the              requested public comment (80 FR
                                                    as being available in the docket, go to                 rule itself, the purpose of which is to               74199). The Agency received 10
                                                    www.regulations.gov and insert the                      ‘‘enhance safety by ensuring that only                comments representing various interests
                                                    docket number, ‘‘FMCSA–2015–0397 in                     qualified drivers are allowed to operate              in response to the proposed exemption.
                                                    the ‘‘Keyword’’ box and click ‘‘Search.’’               commercial vehicles on our nation’s                      Six comments received in support of
                                                    Next, click the ‘‘Open Docket Folder’’                  highways’’ (76 FR 26854, May 9, 2011).                the exemption were from the Alabama
                                                    button and choose the document to                       ODOT asserts that neither FMCSA staff                 Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA);
                                                    review. If you do not have access to the                nor the States were able to identify any              Colorado Department of Revenue CDL
                                                    Internet, you may view the docket                       highway safety enhancement arising                    Unit (Colorado); New York Department
                                                    online by visiting the Docket                           from this requirement. ODOT states that               of Motor Vehicles (New York DMV);
                                                    Management Facility in Room W12–140                     it is unaware of any data suggesting that             Oregon Trucking Associations, Inc.
                                                    on the ground floor of the DOT West                     persons who have not renewed their                    (OTA); and two individuals.
                                                    Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE.,                   CLP or obtained their CDL within six                     The ALEA commented that ‘‘this
                                                    Washington, DC 20590, between 9 a.m.                    months pose less risk on the Nation’s                 requirement is an added financial
                                                    and 5 p.m., e.t., Monday through Friday,                highways.                                             burden to the CLP holder by having to
                                                    except Federal holidays.                                   Second, ODOT agrees that requiring                 pay additional fees for renewal and if
                                                                                                            CLP holders to retake the knowledge                   applicable, any re-testing fees.
                                                    II. Legal Basis                                                                                               Therefore, ALEA is in complete
                                                                                                            test after not obtaining a CDL within one
                                                       FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C.                  year improves highway safety, but                     agreement with the Oregon Department
                                                    31136(e) and 31315 to grant exemptions                  disagrees that the requirement for                    of Transportation in their petition to
                                                    from certain parts of the Federal Motor                 renewal at six months is needed.                      allow the CLP to be valid for one year.’’
                                                    Carrier Safety Regulations. FMCSA must                  According to ODOT, if the exemption is                   Colorado commented ‘‘Regarding
                                                    publish a notice of each exemption                      granted, ODOT’s CLP would have a                      FMCSA’s request that should this be
                                                    request in the Federal Register (49 CFR                 validity period of one year with no                   applicable to all states. Colorado is
                                                    381.315(a)). The Agency must provide                    renewal allowed. All applicable                       concerned that 77% of the SDLA’s have
                                                    the public an opportunity to inspect the                knowledge tests would be required                     already made the programming changes
                                                    information relevant to the application,                before a new CLP could be issued,                     to issue only a 180 day CLP. Making a
                                                    including any safety analyses that have                 which would accomplish the objective                  change at this point could be very
                                                    been conducted. The Agency must also                    of not allowing a person to have a CLP                confusing and possibly expensive for
                                                    provide an opportunity for public                       longer than one year without passing                  SDLA’s and the CDL industry. Colorado
                                                    comment on the request.                                 knowledge tests.                                      would suggest that FMCSA leave the
                                                       The Agency reviews safety analyses                      The third reason for the request is that           rule as is. However, Colorado would
                                                    and public comments submitted, and                      Oregon’s ‘‘Department of Motor Vehicle                also suggest that FMCSA work with
                                                    determines whether granting the                         (DMV) field offices have a very large                 ODOT one on one regarding this issue
                                                    exemption would likely achieve a level                  volume of work to accomplish and, at                  to determine if an exemption should be
                                                    of safety equivalent to, or greater than,               best, limited resources with which to                 granted to ODOT. If FMCSA believes an
                                                    the level that would be achieved by the                 accomplish it. Adding the bureaucratic                exemption should be granted to ODOT,
                                                    current regulation (49 CFR 381.305).                    requirement for a CLP holder to visit a               Colorado would support FMCSA
                                                    The decision of the Agency must be                      DMV office and pay a fee in order to get              granting Oregon’s exemption request.’’
                                                    published in the Federal Register (49                   a second six months of CLP validity will                 The New York DMV commented that
                                                    CFR 381.315(b)) with the reasons for                    add unnecessary workload to offices                   ‘‘New York supports granting Oregon’s
                                                    denying or granting the application and,                already stretched to the limit. ODOT is               request for an exemption from 49 CFR
                                                    if granted, the name of the person or                   confident there would be no negative                  383.25(c) which requires that a CLP
                                                    class of persons receiving the                          impact on safety if the exemption is                  must be valid for no more than 180
                                                    exemption, and the regulatory provision                 granted.’’                                            days. The exemption should apply to all
                                                    from which the exemption is granted.                       According to ODOT, ‘‘If this                       SDLAs, allowing states to set their own
                                                    The notice must also specify the                        exemption is not granted, Oregon                      CLP expiration date, provided the CLP’s
                                                                                                            drivers with CLPs who have not passed                 validity does not exceed one year.’’
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    effective period and explain the terms
                                                    and conditions of the exemption. The                    the CDL skills test within six months of                 The OTA commented ‘‘FMCSA has
                                                    exemption may be renewed (49 CFR                        CLP issuance would have to go to a                    asked if the exemption requested by
                                                    381.300(b)).                                            DMV office and pay for a renewal of the               ODOT should be extended to other
                                                                                                            CLP. This would cause undue hardship                  states? Our response is, absolutely and
                                                    III. Request for Exemption                              to the drivers, from the perspectives of              we believe FMCSA should go one step
                                                      ODOT requested an exemption from                      both their time and their pocketbooks. It             further and change the underlying
                                                    the Agency’s CLP requirement in 49                      would also cause undue hardship to our                regulation to allow issuance of a CLP for
                                                    CFR 383.25(c). The regulation provides                  agency, where scarce resources would                  1-year.’’


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                                                                                    Federal Register / Vol. 81, No. 65 / Tuesday, April 5, 2016 / Notices                                            19705

                                                       Mr. Vardis Gaus wrote ‘‘I believe this               period of one year for the CLP. The                   FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:     If
                                                    extension to be valid.’’                                maximum time allowed between taking                   you have a project related question, you
                                                       Mr. Daniel Tucker commented ‘‘As a                   the knowledge tests and obtaining the                 may contact Dr. Mark Hartong,
                                                    CDL driver, instructor and state-certified              CDL is 12 months under the current rule               Scientific and Technical Advisor
                                                    third-party evaluator I believe this                    and under the exemption. The                          (Phone: (202) 493–1332; email:
                                                    proposal/request makes all the sense in                 exemption avoids the necessity of                     Mark.Hartong@dot.gov), or Mr. Devin
                                                    the world. Allowing up-to a year                        obtaining a renewal of the CLP after 6                Rouse, Program Manager (Phone: (202)
                                                    practice and development for an entry                   months if the State chooses to allow                  493–6185, email: devin.rouse@dot.gov).
                                                    level driver candidate or re-entering                   that. FMCSA determined that the                       Grant application submission and
                                                    driver allows them to take as much time                 exemption would maintain a level of                   processing questions should be
                                                    necessary to build (or rebuild) skills.’’               safety equivalent to, or greater than, the            addressed to Mr. Marvin Winston,
                                                       Four comments opposing the                           level achieved without the exemption                  Office of Program Delivery, Federal
                                                    exemption were from the Commercial                      (49 CFR 381.305(a)).                                  Railroad Administration, 1200 New
                                                    Vehicle Training Association (CVTA)                       Issued on: March 25, 2016.                          Jersey Avenue SE., Room W36–440,
                                                    and three individuals.                                  T.F. Scott Darling, III,                              Washington, DC 20590; Email:
                                                       The CVTA summarized its opposition                                                                         marvin.winston@dot.gov.
                                                    to the exemption by stating ‘‘We urge                   Acting Administrator.
                                                                                                            [FR Doc. 2016–07730 Filed 4–4–16; 8:45 am]            SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
                                                    FMCSA to deny ODOT’s request for an                                                                              Notice to applicants: FRA
                                                    exemption from the 180-day CLP                          BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P
                                                                                                                                                                  recommends applicants read this notice
                                                    renewal requirement. Granting such an                                                                         in its entirety prior to preparing
                                                    exemption carries serious safety                                                                              application materials. There are several
                                                    concerns and sends the wrong message                    DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
                                                                                                                                                                  administrative prerequisites described
                                                    regarding FMCSA’s willingness to                        Federal Railroad Administration                       herein that applicants must comply
                                                    accommodate underfunded CDL                                                                                   with in order to submit an application,
                                                    programs across the Country. Granting                   FY 2016 Railroad Safety Technology                    as well as specific eligibility
                                                    this exemption would signal to states                   Grant Funds                                           requirements that must be met.
                                                    that FMCSA will not only tolerate state                                                                       Additionally, applicants should note
                                                    practices of underfunding CDL                           AGENCY: Federal Railroad
                                                                                                            Administration (FRA), Department of                   that the required Project Narrative
                                                    programs, but will accommodate them.                                                                          component of the application package
                                                    Moreover, granting this exemption                       Transportation (DOT).
                                                                                                            ACTION: Notice of Funding Opportunity
                                                                                                                                                                  may not exceed 25 pages in length
                                                    would undercut Congress’ recent efforts                                                                       (including any appendices).
                                                    to put greater pressure on FMCSA and                    (NOFO).
                                                    states to ensure that state CDL programs                                                                      Table of Contents
                                                                                                            SUMMARY:    This notice details the
                                                    are more adequately funded and                          application requirements and                          1. Funding Opportunity Description
                                                    efficiently administered.’’                             procedures for obtaining funding for                  2. Award Information
                                                       Josh Anonymous wrote ‘‘Don’t do it.                  eligible Railroad Safety Technology                   3. Eligibility and Review Criteria
                                                    Six months is plenty.’’                                 Grant projects. The opportunities                     4. Application and Submission Information
                                                       Mr. Roland Doe wrote ‘‘Send a                                                                              5. Award Administration Information
                                                                                                            described in this notice are available
                                                    message to such an unfriendly                                                                                 6. Agency Contact
                                                                                                            under Catalog of Federal Domestic
                                                    bureaucracy: NO dice on the waiver                                                                            Section 1: Funding Opportunity
                                                                                                            Assistance number 20.321, ‘‘Railroad
                                                    request. If other states can meet the                                                                         Description
                                                                                                            Safety Technology.’’
                                                    Federal requirement—and the majority
                                                                                                            DATES: Applications for funding under                   The purpose of this notice is to solicit
                                                    of them are much easier to do business
                                                    with—even California—so can ODOT.’’                     this solicitation are due no later than               applications for grants for eligible
                                                       Mr. Gary Scott commented that ‘‘A                    5:00 p.m. DST May 20, 2016.                           railroad safety technology projects.
                                                    learner’s permit should only be valid for               Applications for funding received after               Congress appropriated the funding
                                                    6 months. If a person cannot achieve a                  5:00 p.m. DST on May 20, 2016 will not                available under this NOFO, $25 million,
                                                    level of proficiency within that time                   be considered. See Section 4 of this                  in the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
                                                    period to acquire a permanent CDL then                  notice for additional information                     2016, Division L, Title I (Pub. L. 114–
                                                    maybe they should consider another                      regarding the application process.                    113 (December 18, 2015)), to carry out
                                                    line of work.’’                                         ADDRESSES: Applications must be                       railroad safety technology grants as set
                                                       All comments are available for review                submitted via Grants.gov. For any                     forth in 49 U.S.C. 20158. To maximize
                                                    in the docket for this notice.                          required or supporting application                    the benefits of the funding available,
                                                                                                            materials that an applicant is unable to              FRA is limiting the eligible projects to
                                                    V. FMCSA Response and Decision                          submit via Grants.gov (such as oversized              those that implement a Positive Train
                                                      The FMCSA has evaluated ODOT’s                        engineering drawings), an applicant                   Control (PTC) system or, as described in
                                                    application on its merits following full                may submit an original and two (2)                    Section 3, will otherwise benefit overall
                                                    consideration of the comments                           copies to Mr. Marvin Winston, Office of               PTC system implementation on freight,
                                                    submitted to the docket, and has                        Program Delivery, Federal Railroad                    intercity passenger, and commuter
                                                    decided to grant the exemption from 49                  Administration, 1200 New Jersey                       railroads.
                                                    CFR 383.25(c) for a period of 2 years.                  Avenue SE., Room W36–440,
asabaliauskas on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with NOTICES




                                                    The exemption covers ODOT and all                       Washington, DC 20590; Email:                          Section 2: Award Information
                                                    SDLAs. Extending the exemption to                       marvin.winston@dot.gov. However, due                    FRA anticipates making multiple
                                                    cover all SDLAs, at their discretion, will              to delays caused by enhanced screening                awards from the funding made available
                                                    preclude the need for other SDLAs                       of mail delivered via the U.S. Postal                 in this notice and is not predetermining
                                                    choosing to use the exemption to file                   Service, applicants are advised to use                any minimum or maximum dollar
                                                    identical exemption requests. FMCSA                     other means of conveyance (such as                    amounts for awards. However, given the
                                                    believes that safety would not be                       courier service) to assure timely receipt             limited amount of funding currently
                                                    diminished by allowing a validity                       of materials.                                         available, applicants are encouraged to


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Document Created: 2018-02-07 13:53:39
Document Modified: 2018-02-07 13:53:39
CategoryRegulatory Information
CollectionFederal Register
sudoc ClassAE 2.7:
GS 4.107:
AE 2.106:
PublisherOffice of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
SectionNotices
ActionNotice of final disposition; grant of application for exemption.
DatesThis exemption is effective April 5, 2016, and expires April 5, 2018.
ContactMrs. Pearlie Robinson, Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards; Telephone: 202-366-4325, Email: [email protected], Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590-0001. If you have questions on viewing material in the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.
FR Citation81 FR 19703 

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