Federal Register #FMCSA-2026-0054

FMCSA Hearing Exemption Renewals and MARAD Vessel Use Request

This notice from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the Department of Transportation, addresses regulatory exemptions and a vessel use request: - FMCSA Exemption Renewals for Interstate CMV Drivers - 20 individual drivers are granted exemptions from the hearing requirement (49 CFR 391.41(b)(11)) to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce - Exemptions are valid for two years and subject to conditions such as crash/citation reporting, annual driving record submission, and a prohibition on operating motorcoaches or buses with passengers - No products, OEMs, or vendors are involved; this is a regulatory action - Maritime Administration (MARAD) Vessel Use Request - MARAD is soliciting comments on a request to allow the foreign-built small passenger vessel M/V KUDU to operate in U.S. coastwise trade (carrying up to 12 passengers for hire) - The review assesses potential adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise trade businesses - No products or OEMs are involved; this is a regulatory and public comment process - No procurement of goods or services is requested in this notice

Description

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces receipt of applications from nine individuals seeking exemptions from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. If granted, these exemptions would allow hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs across state lines. The notice invites public comments on the exemption applications, with a deadline of October 28, 2026. The exemptions are evaluated based on safety analyses and driving records to ensure a level of safety equivalent to or greater than that without the exemption.

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