Action
Grant of application for exemption.
Summary
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) grants the American Pyrotechnics Association's (APA) application for an exemption from the prohibition against driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) after the 14th hour of coming on duty. The exemption is applicable for a period beginning 7 days prior to, and 2 days immediately following Independence Day in 2007 and 2008. Fireworks personnel who operate CMVs for the nine companies listed in this notice, in conjunction with fireworks shows celebrating Independence Day, are allowed to exclude off-duty and sleeper-berth time of any length in the calculation of the 14 hours. However, drivers are not allowed to drive after accumulating a total of 14 hours of on-duty time, following 10 consecutive hours off duty, and continue to be subject to the 11-hour driving time limit and the 60- and 70-hour weekly limits. No substantive comments were received in response to the Agency's May 30, 2007 notice requesting public comment on the APA application. The FMCSA has determined that the granting of the exemption would achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.