A massive winter storm bringing ice, freezing rain, and blizzard-like conditions across large portions of the U.S. has prompted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to issue emergency hours-of-service (HOS) waivers for commercial drivers in 40 states.

In a statement, the FMCSA announced it has enacted a Regional Emergency Declaration providing temporary HOS relief for certain motor carriers and drivers responding to severe winter weather and extreme cold conditions.

The waiver remains in effect through Feb. 6, or until the emergency concludes, whichever occurs first. FMCSA noted the declaration may be modified, extended, or terminated depending on changing conditions.

According to the agency, the waiver is intended to support urgent winter emergency response efforts while maintaining overall safety. It applies only to qualifying emergency operations. Motor carriers are encouraged to review the full waiver for complete details.

The emergency declaration applies to motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to relief efforts in the following states and jurisdictions: 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, and WY.

Under the declaration, temporary relief is granted from the following federal regulations:

  • 49 CFR § 395.3 – Property-carrying vehicle driving limits
  • 49 CFR § 395.5 – Passenger-carrying vehicle driving limits

Relief applies regardless of trip origin, provided the operation directly supports emergency relief in the affected states. This includes transportation or services necessary for the immediate restoration of essential supplies or services during the emergency period.

The waiver does not apply to:

  • Routine commercial deliveries
  • Mixed loads containing only nominal emergency supplies
  • Long-term recovery or infrastructure repair following the emergency phase

FMCSA emphasized that all other Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations remain in effect, including requirements related to commercial driver’s licenses, drug and alcohol testing, insurance, hazardous materials, and size and weight limits. Drivers or carriers currently placed out of service are not eligible for relief until such orders are officially lifted.

Once emergency assistance operations end, drivers must comply with standard HOS regulations, including taking required rest breaks before resuming normal operations.