FMCSA has issued a Regional Emergency Declaration providing temporary hours-of-service (HOS) relief for certain motor carriers and drivers due to severe winter storms and extreme cold impacting multiple states.
This waiver supports urgent winter emergency response while maintaining overall safety. Apply relief only to qualifying emergency operations and be sure to review the full waiver which can be found here.
Who Is Covered
Motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to emergency relief efforts in the affected states.
States Affected
AL, AR, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, MN, MO, MT, NE, NH, NJ, NY, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WV, WI, WY
What Relief Is Granted
Temporary relief from:
- 49 CFR § 395.3 – Property-carrying vehicle driving limits
- 49 CFR § 395.5 – Passenger-carrying vehicle driving limits
Relief applies regardless of trip origin, as long as the operation supports emergency relief in the affected states.
What Counts as Direct Assistance
Transportation or services supporting the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services during the emergency.
Does NOT include
- Routine commercial deliveries
- Mixed loads with nominal emergency supplies
- Long-term recovery or infrastructure repair after the emergency phase
Key Restrictions
- All other FMCSRs remain in effect, including CDL, drug and alcohol testing, insurance, HAZMAT, and size/weight requirements.
- Out-of-service drivers or carriers are NOT eligible until the order is officially lifted.
- When emergency assistance ends, normal HOS rules apply, with required rest breaks before resuming standard operations.
Duration
Effective January 23, 2026, through February 6, 2026, or until the emergency ends, whichever comes first. FMCSA may modify, extend, or terminate the declaration based on conditions.
For questions, follow established FMCSA and state coordination channels.
McCraren Compliance offers comprehensive safety training to help prevent accidents. Visit our class calendar to see how our training and consulting services can enhance your safety efforts.
Original article published by FMCSA