Action
Notice of applications for exemptions and intent to grant exemptions; request for comments.
Summary
The FMCSA is announcing its intent to grant exemptions for additional vehicles specified at the end of this notice, in response to an application from the Ford Motor Company (Ford), from certain fuel tank design and certification labeling requirements in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). This exemption would enable motor carriers to continue operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) manufactured by Ford, and equipped with fuel tanks that do not meet the FMCSA's requirements that fuel tanks be capable of receiving fuel at a rate of at least 20 gallons per minute, and be labeled or marked by the manufacturer to certify compliance with the design criteria. The FMCSA believes the terms and conditions of the current exemptions have ensured a level of safety that is equivalent to the level of safety that would be achieved by complying with the regulations, and that granting the additional exemptions would not adversely affect highway safety. The additional exemptions, if granted, would continue to preempt inconsistent State and local requirements applicable to interstate commerce.