Massive 40-state winter storm waiver issued by FMCSA
A regional emergency is declared for truckers due to an Arctic blast
Washington Due to extreme temperatures and severe winter storms, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has declared a regional emergency in 40 states.
The directive, which went into effect on Friday night, offers truck drivers who directly support emergency relief efforts urgent regulatory protection.
In order to allow drivers greater flexibility to transport necessary supplies and resume services in areas where temperatures have fallen significantly below average, the proclamation suspends hours of service requirements.
Crucially, the relief is applicable regardless of the origin of a trip as long as the driver is assisting with emergency efforts in the impacted states. It covers a region that extends from Texas and Florida to Montana and Massachusetts.
Important limitations
In the sequence that drivers must still follow, FMCSA clarified:
Direct help only: Regular commercial deliveries and long-term infrastructure rehabilitation are not covered by the waiver.
Safety standards: Financial responsibility (insurance) laws, CDL qualifications, and controlled substance tests are still in force.
Vehicle restrictions: Regulations pertaining to hazardous chemicals and weight and size restrictions are not exempt.
When a driver is assigned to a non-emergency assignment, direct assistance ceases. According to the order, “when a driver is transitioning from emergency relief efforts to normal operations, a 10-hour break is needed when the total time a driver is involved in emergency relief efforts, or in a combination of emergency relief and normal operations, equals or exceeds 14 hours.”
Unless FMCSA terminates it earlier or extends it in accordance with meteorological conditions, the waiver is set to expire on February 6 at 11:59 p.m. (ET).
