The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the Department of Transportation is renewing exemptions for 10 individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, allowing them to continue driving commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. These exemptions are based on FMCSA's assessment that the drivers meet safety standards equivalent to those required by the hearing rules in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The exemptions, effective starting December 16, 2020, will last for two years unless revoked for specific reasons, such as non-compliance or decreased safety levels.
Simple Explanation
The FMCSA is letting 10 drivers who can't hear very well continue driving big trucks on the roads between states. They believe these drivers are just as safe, even if they can't hear like other drivers, and will check in two years to make sure everything is still okay.