Alabama has temporarily suspended certain interstate registration and fuel tax requirements for trucks involved in hurricane relief efforts, allowing qualifying vehicles to travel through the state without meeting the usual International Registration Plan (IRP) and International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA) requirements.
Alabama Commissioner of Revenue Mary Martin Mitchell issued the order on October 8, 2026, as Hurricane Isaias approached the Gulf Coast. The temporary relief applies to motor vehicles engaged in interstate disaster relief operations that travel through Alabama as part of those efforts.
Registration and Fuel Tax Requirements Temporarily Waived
The order suspends requirements associated with IRP and IFTA for qualifying disaster relief vehicles. These programs ordinarily govern interstate vehicle registration and fuel tax reporting for commercial motor carriers operating across state lines.
The exemption is limited to vehicles participating in interstate disaster relief efforts. It does not establish a general suspension of IRP or IFTA requirements for commercial trucks operating in Alabama outside those activities.
Although the order provides temporary relief from the two programs, participating vehicles must still maintain valid registration and insurance issued by their base state.
Weight Restrictions Remain in Effect
Alabama’s order also requires vehicles traveling under the exemption to comply with posted weight limits on bridges and similar structures.
The temporary suspension therefore does not authorize relief vehicles to exceed posted bridge weight restrictions. Carriers and drivers must continue observing those limits while transporting supplies or providing other disaster assistance.
The order does not specify additional exemptions from other trucking regulations.
Exemption Remains Effective for 30 Days
The temporary IRP and IFTA suspension took effect October 8 and remains in effect for 30 days under the commissioner’s order.
Motor carriers participating in hurricane relief operations should confirm that their movements qualify for the exemption and maintain the registration and insurance required by their base state.
The measure provides temporary administrative relief for interstate disaster response transportation while preserving Alabama’s existing vehicle insurance and posted bridge weight requirements.
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Last Updated: October 16, 2026
Source: Commercial Carrier Journal
