FMCSA issues 40-state winter weather HOS waiver to support emergency relief operations
Key takeaways
- FMCSA grants temporary HOS relief for drivers aiding emergency response during winter storms across 40 states.
- Relief applies only to direct assistance restoring essential supplies or services, not routine deliveries or long-term recovery.
- All other safety regulations remain in effect, and normal HOS rules resume once emergency operations end.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently released a Regional Emergency Declaration granting temporary hours-of-service (HOS) relief for certain motor carriers and drivers responding to severe winter storms and extreme cold across 40 states.
The waiver applies to motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts. Covered operations include transportation or services that support the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services during the emergency. Routine commercial deliveries, mixed loads with minimal emergency supplies, and long-term recovery or infrastructure repair after the emergency phase are not eligible. Relief applies regardless of trip origin, as long as the operation supports emergency relief in the affected states.
All other Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) remain in effect, including CDL, drug and alcohol testing, insurance, hazmat, and size/weight requirements. Drivers or carriers currently out of service are not eligible until the order is officially lifted. Once emergency assistance ends, normal HOS rules resume, including required rest breaks before standard operations continue.
The waiver is effective January 23 through February 6, or until the emergency ends, whichever comes first. FMCSA may modify, extend, or terminate the declaration based on evolving conditions.
