The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has decided to renew exemptions for 13 individuals, allowing them to continue driving commercial motor vehicles across state lines, despite not meeting hearing requirements outlined in federal regulations. These exemptions, which span a two-year period, permit deaf or hard-of-hearing drivers to operate safely under specific conditions. Upon evaluation, the FMCSA determined that these drivers could maintain a level of safety equal to or greater than if they complied with existing hearing standards. The exemptions can be revoked if drivers do not adhere to the set conditions or if safety levels decline.
Simple Explanation
The FMCSA is letting 13 people who can't hear well keep driving big trucks across states, because they can drive safely even if they can’t hear as usual. The rules say they can do this for two years, but if they don’t follow the guidelines or aren't safe, they might lose their special permission.