Qualification of Drivers; Application for Exemptions; Hearing

FMCSA announces its decision to grant requests from 4 individuals for exemptions from the Agency's physical qualifications standard concerning hearing for interstate drivers. The current regulation prohibits individuals who do not meet the standard from operating CMVs in interstate commerce. After notice and opportunity for public comment, the Agency concluded that granting exemptions for these CMV drivers will provide a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level of safety maintained without the exemptions. The exemptions are valid for a 2-year peiod and may be renewed, and the exemptions preempt State laws and regulations.