83 FR 53151 - Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Isuzu North America Corporation (Isuzu)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 203 (October 19, 2018)

Page Range		53151-53152
FR Document		2018-22834

FMCSA announces that it has received an application from Isuzu North America Corporation (Isuzu) requesting an exemption from the Federal requirement to hold a U.S. commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by one of the States. Isuzu requests that the exemption cover 12 of its commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who will test-drive CMVs for Isuzu in the United States. Each of these 12 Isuzu employees holds a valid Japanese commercial license but lacks the U.S. residency necessary to obtain a CDL from one of the States of the United States. Isuzu believes the knowledge and skills tests and training program that drivers undergo to obtain a Japanese commercial license ensures that these drivers will achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with the exemption.

Federal Register, Volume 83 Issue 203 (Friday, October 19, 2018)

[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 203 (Friday, October 19, 2018)]
[Notices]
[Pages 53151-53152]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2018-22834]



[[Page 53151]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

[Docket No. FMCSA-2006-25290]


Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; 
Isuzu North America Corporation (Isuzu)

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

ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.

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SUMMARY: FMCSA announces that it has received an application from Isuzu 
North America Corporation (Isuzu) requesting an exemption from the 
Federal requirement to hold a U.S. commercial driver's license (CDL) 
issued by one of the States. Isuzu requests that the exemption cover 12 
of its commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers who will test-drive CMVs 
for Isuzu in the United States. Each of these 12 Isuzu employees holds 
a valid Japanese commercial license but lacks the U.S. residency 
necessary to obtain a CDL from one of the States of the United States. 
Isuzu believes the knowledge and skills tests and training program that 
drivers undergo to obtain a Japanese commercial license ensures that 
these drivers will achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or 
greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying 
with the exemption.

DATES: Comments must be received on or before November 19, 2018.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments bearing the Federal Docket 
Management System (FDMS) Docket ID FMCSA-2006-25290 using any of the 
following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the online instructions for submitting comments.
     Mail: Docket Management Facility, 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: West Building, Ground Floor, 
Room W12-140, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 
Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
     Fax: 1-202-493-2251.
    Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number 
for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments received without 
change to www.regulations.gov, including any personal information 
included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading below.
    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: For information concerning this 
notice, contact Ms. Pearlie Robinson, FMCSA Driver and Carrier 
Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety 
Standards; Telephone: 202-366-4325. Email: [email protected]. If you have 
questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact 
Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

I. Public Participation and Request for Comments

    FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and 
related materials.

Submitting Comments

    If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this 
notice (FMCSA-2006-25290), indicate the specific section of this 
document to which the comment applies, and provide a reason for 
suggestions or recommendations. 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 the Agency can contact you if it has questions 
regarding your submission.
    To submit your comment online, go to www.regulations.gov and put 
the docket number, ``FMCSA-2006-25290'' in the ``Keyword'' box, and 
click ``Search.'' When the new screen appears, click on ``Comment 
Now!'' button and type your comment into the text box in the following 
screen. Choose whether you are submitting your comment as an individual 
or on behalf of a third party and then submit. If you submit your 
comments by mail or hand delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no 
larger than 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.

II. Legal Basis

    FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315 to grant 
exemptions from certain 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)).

III. Request for Exemption

    Isuzu has applied for an exemption from the CDL rules, specifically 
49 CFR 383.23 that prescribes licensing requirements for drivers 
operating CMVs in interstate or intrastate commerce. Isuzu requests the 
exemption because its driver-employees are citizens and residents of 
Japan, and because they cannot apply for a CDL in any of the United 
States due to lack of residency. Isuzu explained that the exemption 
would allow a team of 12 employees (vehicle test engineers, 
technicians, mechanics and other employees) to drive CMVs in interstate 
commerce to test and evaluate production and prototype CMVs in the 
United States in order to design safe and well-tested vehicles for use 
on U.S. highways. The exemption would further provide an opportunity 
for these engineers to test how CMVs perform under various 
environmental and climatic conditions.

[[Page 53152]]

    The drivers covered by the proposed exemption are Naoto Morimoto, 
Kenji Sugawara, Ryota Hisamatsu, Takehiro Oshima, Yasuhiro Sakai, 
Hiroaki Takahashi, Kazunori Aizawa, Atsushi Fujiwara, Kazuya Takahashi, 
Koichi Ueno, Takahisa Chiba, and Takamasa Ono. According to Isuzu, 
these drivers will not engage in driving CMVs for purpose of 
transporting merchandise as a commercial activity.
    Each driver holds a valid Japanese commercial license, and as 
explained by Isuzu in previous exemption requests, drivers applying for 
a Japanese-issued commercial license must undergo a training program 
and pass knowledge and skills tests. Isuzu also stated in prior 
exemption requests that the knowledge and skills tests and training 
program that Japanese drivers undergo to obtain a Japanese commercial 
license ensure the exemption provides a level of safety that is 
equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety obtained by 
complying with the U.S. requirement for a CDL. A copy of Isuzu's 
application for exemption is available for review in the docket for 
this notice.
    FMCSA has previously determined the process for obtaining a 
Japanese commercial license is comparable to, or as effective as, the 
Federal CDL knowledge and skills requirements of 49 CFR part 383 as 
enforced by the States, and adequately assesses the driver's ability to 
operate CMVs in the U.S. Since 2003, FMCSA has granted Isuzu drivers 
similar exemptions [October 16, 2003 (68 FR 59677); April 3, 2007 (72 
FR 15933); April 5, 2007 (72 FR 16870); September 5, 2008 (73 FR 
51878); January 5, 2009 (74 FR 334); July 24, 2009 (74 FR 36809)].

     Issued on: September 26, 2018.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2018-22834 Filed 10-18-18; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P

53152 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 203 / Friday, October 19, 2018 / Notices

The drivers covered by the proposed and/or continuing information be summarized and/or included in the
exemption are Naoto Morimoto, Kenji collections, as required by the request for OMB approval. All
Sugawara, Ryota Hisamatsu, Takehiro Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. comments will become a matter of
Oshima, Yasuhiro Sakai, Hiroaki Currently, the IRS is soliciting public record. Comments are invited on:
Takahashi, Kazunori Aizawa, Atsushi comments concerning Form 8832, Entity (a) Whether the collection of
Fujiwara, Kazuya Takahashi, Koichi Classification Election. information is necessary for the proper
Ueno, Takahisa Chiba, and Takamasa DATES: Written comments should be performance of the functions of the
Ono. According to Isuzu, these drivers received on or before December 18, 2018 agency, including whether the
will not engage in driving CMVs for to be assured of consideration. information shall have practical utility;
purpose of transporting merchandise as ADDRESSES: Direct all written comments (b) the accuracy of the agency’s estimate
a commercial activity. to Laurie Brimmer, Internal Revenue of the burden of the collection of
Each driver holds a valid Japanese information; (c) ways to enhance the
Service, Room 6529, 1111 Constitution
commercial license, and as explained by quality, utility, and clarity of the
Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224.
Isuzu in previous exemption requests, information to be collected; (d) ways to
Please send separate comments for each
drivers applying for a Japanese-issued minimize the burden of the collection of
specific information collection listed
commercial license must undergo a information on respondents, including
below. You must reference the
training program and pass knowledge through the use of automated collection
and skills tests. Isuzu also stated in information collection’s title, form
number, reporting or record-keeping techniques or other forms of information
prior exemption requests that the technology; and (e) estimates of capital
knowledge and skills tests and training requirement number, and OMB number
(if any) in you comment. or start-up costs and costs of operation,
program that Japanese drivers undergo maintenance, and purchase of services
to obtain a Japanese commercial license FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
to provide information.
ensure the exemption provides a level of Requests for additional information or
copies of the form and instructions Approved: October 16, 2018.
safety that is equivalent to, or greater
than, the level of safety obtained by should be directed to Charles G. Daniel Laurie Brimmer,
complying with the U.S. requirement for at (202) 317–5754, at Internal Revenue Senior Tax Analyst.
a CDL. A copy of Isuzu’s application for Service, Room 6529, 1111 Constitution [FR Doc. 2018–22807 Filed 10–18–18; 8:45 am]
exemption is available for review in the Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20224, or BILLING CODE 4830–01–P
docket for this notice. through the internet, at
FMCSA has previously determined Charles.G.Daniel@irs.gov.
the process for obtaining a Japanese SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS
commercial license is comparable to, or Title: Entity Classification Election. AFFAIRS
as effective as, the Federal CDL OMB Number: 1545–1516.
knowledge and skills requirements of 49 Form Number: 8832. Advisory Committee on Cemeteries
CFR part 383 as enforced by the States, Abstract: An eligible entity that and Memorials, Notice of Meeting
and adequately assesses the driver’s chooses not to be classified under the
default rules or that wishes to change its The Department of Veterans Affairs
ability to operate CMVs in the U.S.
current classification must file Form (VA) gives notice under the Federal
Since 2003, FMCSA has granted Isuzu
8832 to elect a classification. Advisory Committee Act that a meeting
drivers similar exemptions [October 16,
Current Actions: There are no changes of the Advisory Committee on
2003 (68 FR 59677); April 3, 2007 (72
being made to the form at this time. Cemeteries and Memorials will be held
FR 15933); April 5, 2007 (72 FR 16870);
Type of Review: Extension of a on October 30–October 31, 2018. The
September 5, 2008 (73 FR 51878);
currently approved collection. meeting sessions will take place at the
January 5, 2009 (74 FR 334); July 24,
Affected Public: Businesses and other Denver Regional Benefit Office, 155 Van
2009 (74 FR 36809)].
for-profit organizations, Farms. Gordon Street, Lakewood, CO 80228.
Issued on: September 26, 2018. Sessions are open to the public, except
Estimated Number of Responses:
Larry W. Minor, 5,000. when the Committee is conducting tours
Associate Administrator for Policy. Estimated Time per Response: 7 of VA facilities, participating in offsite
[FR Doc. 2018–22834 Filed 10–18–18; 8:45 am] hours, 10 minutes. events, participating in workgroup
BILLING CODE 4910–EX–P Estimated Total Annual Burden sessions, and conducting official
Hours: 35,900. Administrative business. Tours of the
The following paragraph applies to all VA facilities are closed, to protect
DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY of the collections of information covered Veterans’ privacy and personal
by this notice: information.
Internal Revenue Service An agency may not conduct or The purpose of the Committee is to
sponsor, and a person is not required to advise the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
Proposed Collection; Comment respond to, a collection of information on the administration of national
Request for Form 8832 unless the collection of information cemeteries, soldiers’ lots and plots, the
AGENCY: Internal Revenue Service (IRS), displays a valid OMB control number. selection of new national cemetery sites,
Treasury. Books or records relating to a the erection of appropriate memorials,
ACTION: Notice and request for collection of information must be and the adequacy of Federal burial
retained as long as their contents may benefits. The Committee will make
amozie on DSK3GDR082PROD with NOTICES1

comments.
become material in the administration recommendations to the Secretary
SUMMARY: The Internal Revenue Service, of any internal revenue law. Generally, regarding such activities.
as part of its continuing effort to reduce tax returns and tax return information On the morning of Tuesday, October
paperwork and respondent burden, are confidential, as required by 26 30, 2018, the Committee will convene
invites the general public and other U.S.C. 6103. with an open session at the Denver
Federal agencies to take this Request for Comments: Comments Regional Benefit Office from 8:30 a.m.–
opportunity to comment on proposed submitted in response to this notice will 11:30 a.m., Mountain Time. The dial-in

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Document Created: 2018-10-19 01:25:58
Document Modified: 2018-10-19 01:25:58

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Notices
Action		Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.
Dates		Comments must be received on or before November 19, 2018.
Contact		For information concerning this notice, contact Ms. Pearlie Robinson, FMCSA Driver and Carrier Operations Division; Office of Carrier, Driver and Vehicle Safety Standards; Telephone: 202-366-4325. Email: [email protected] If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, contact Docket Services, telephone (202) 366-9826.
FR Citation		83 FR 53151

83 FR 53151 - Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Isuzu North America Corporation (Isuzu)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATIONFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 203 (October 19, 2018)

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration