Deaf Truckers Get Green Light to Haul Interstate? FMCSA Says Maybe!
Published Date: 1/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is considering requests from nine hard of hearing or deaf drivers who want to be allowed to drive commercial trucks across state lines without meeting the usual hearing rules. If approved, these drivers can get exemptions to operate big trucks interstate. The public can share their thoughts by February 20, 2025, so jump in and have your say!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Nine drivers seek hearing exemptions
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) received exemption requests from nine hard of hearing or deaf individuals asking to be allowed to drive commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce despite the hearing rule. If the exemptions are granted, each named applicant would be allowed to operate CMVs across state lines; the public may comment on these petitions by February 20, 2025.
Hearing qualification test defined
FMCSA restates the hearing standard in 49 CFR 391.41(b)(11): a driver must first perceive a forced whispered voice in the better ear at not less than 5 feet with or without a hearing aid, or have an average hearing loss in the better ear of no greater than 40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1,000 Hz, and 2,000 Hz when tested with an audiometric device calibrated to ANSI Z24.5-1951. This is the technical threshold applicants are asking to be exempted from.
Statutory exemption length rules
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b), FMCSA may grant an exemption for no longer than a 5-year period and may renew exemptions at the end of that period. FMCSA also states it grants medical exemptions for a 2-year period to align with the maximum duration of a driver's medical certification.
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