Action
Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.
Summary
The FMCSA announces receipt of an application from Isuzu Motors America, Inc. (Isuzu), requesting an exemption from the agency's requirement of 49 CFR 383.23 for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) to hold a commercial driver's license (CDL). Isuzu requested the exemption for 31 Japanese engineers and technicians who will be test- driving CMVs for Isuzu. All of the individuals hold a valid Japanese commercial license and are specially trained in driving CMVs in Japan. They normally work at Isuzu Motors Limited (IML) in Japan where their duties involve developing, designing, and/or testing engines for CMVs that will be manufactured, assembled, sold or primarily used in the United States. Isuzu states the exemption is necessary in order to allow the required testing of CMVs in various climatic and environmental conditions within the United States. Isuzu also states the written and driving tests and training program that Japanese drivers must undergo for a Japanese CDL, ensure a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level of safety that would be obtained by complying with the regulation. If granted, the exemption would preempt inconsistent State and local requirements applicable to both interstate and intrastate commerce.