New Vision Standard Rule Coming

New Vision Standard Rule Coming.pdf

On January 21, 2022 the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) amended its regulations to permit individuals who do not satisfy, with the worse eye, either the existing distant visual acuity standard with corrective lenses or the field of vision standard, or both, to be physically qualified to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce under specified conditions.  Currently, such individuals are prohibited from driving CMVs in interstate commerce unless they obtain an exemption from FMCSA.  The new alternative vision standard replaces the current vision exemption program as the basis for determining the physical qualification of these individuals.  DATES:  This final rule is effective March 22, 2022.  Comments on the information collections in this final rule must be submitted to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) at the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) by February 22, 2022.  Petitions for Reconsideration of this final rule must be submitted to the FMCSA Administrator no later than February 22, 2022.