Qualification of Drivers; Application for Exemptions; National Association of the Deaf
Notice of final disposition.
FMCSA announces its decision to grant requests from 40 individuals for exemptions from the Agency's physical qualifications standard concerning hearing for interstate drivers. The regulation and the associated advisory criteria published in the Code of Federal Regulations as the ``Instructions for Performing and Recording Physical Examinations'' have resulted in numerous drivers being prohibited from operating CMVs in interstate commerce based on the fact that they are unable to meet the hearing requirements. 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. FMCSA grants exemptions that will allow these 40 individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce for a 2-year period. The exemptions preempt State laws and regulations and may be renewed.