The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has extended its regional emergency declaration covering 40 states impacted by extreme cold and winter weather. The updated waiver is effective from Feb. 3 through Feb. 20, or until the emergency conditions end, whichever comes first.

FMCSA said it may modify, extend, or terminate the declaration based on conditions.

What the HOS Waiver Covers

The emergency declaration temporarily provides relief from the following federal regulations:

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

According to FMCSA, the waiver supports urgent winter emergency response while maintaining overall safety.

Relief applies only to drivers and motor carriers providing direct assistance to emergency efforts in the affected states. It applies regardless of trip origin, as long as the movement supports emergency relief within those states.

What Is Not Covered

FMCSA made it clear that the waiver does not apply to:

• Routine commercial deliveries
• Mixed loads that include only nominal emergency supplies
• Long-term recovery or infrastructure repair after the emergency phase

All other Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations remain in effect, including:

• CDL requirements
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Insurance requirements
• Hazardous materials regulations
• Size and weight limits

Drivers or carriers under an out-of-service order are not eligible until the order is officially lifted.

States Included in the Declaration

The 40 states covered under the extended winter emergency declaration are:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Colorado
• Connecticut
• Delaware
• District of Columbia
• Florida
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kansas
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Minnesota
• Missouri
• Montana
• Nebraska
• New Hampshire
• New Jersey
• New York
• North Carolina
• North Dakota
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Pennsylvania
• Rhode Island
• South Carolina
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Vermont
• Virginia
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin
• Wyoming

Important Reminder for Drivers

When emergency assistance ends, normal hours-of-service rules immediately resume. Drivers must take required rest breaks before returning to standard operations.

FMCSA urges drivers and carriers to review the full declaration carefully to confirm their loads qualify before operating under the exemption.

For those hauling fuel, food, medical supplies, or other emergency freight, the extension provides continued flexibility during severe weather disruptions. For all other freight, standard compliance remains in effect.

Source: Truckers News

The post FMCSA Extends Winter Weather Hours of Service Waiver Through Feb. 20 appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.

The declaration applies to drivers and motor carriers involved in qualifying emergency relief operations tied to winter weather. FMCSA said the extension “supports urgent winter emergency response while maintaining overall safety.” Relief only applies to specific emergency activities outlined in the declaration and does not cover routine freight movements.

The emergency declaration was first issued on January 23 and was originally scheduled to expire on February 6. With the extension, the waiver now remains in effect through February 20.

Hours-of-Service Rules Affected

Under the declaration, FMCSA is waiving Part 395.3 of the federal hours-of-service regulations. This section limits maximum driving time for property-carrying commercial motor vehicles.

Drivers and motor carriers providing direct assistance to winter emergency relief efforts may exceed normal driving limits while operating under the declaration. The waiver applies regardless of where a trip begins, as long as the movement supports emergency relief within a covered state.

Limits Drivers Should Keep in Mind

The emergency relief does not apply to normal freight or non-emergency operations. Once a driver finishes providing direct assistance, standard hours-of-service rules immediately resume.

Motor carriers remain responsible for monitoring fatigue and ensuring that drivers operate safely. Drivers should be prepared to return to full compliance as soon as emergency work ends.

States Covered by the Declaration

FMCSA has published a full list of the 40 states included in the declaration, which can be viewed here:
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations

Drivers and carriers should review the state list and qualifying criteria carefully to confirm their operations are covered before operating under the exemption.

Why This Matters for Winter Operations

The extension gives drivers responding to winter storms added flexibility during a time when road conditions, delays, and demand can change quickly. For drivers hauling fuel, equipment, or supplies tied to storm recovery, the additional time can help keep critical deliveries moving without unnecessary shutdowns.

The declaration is scheduled to expire on February 20 unless FMCSA issues another extension.

Source: Commercial Carrier Journal

The post FMCSA Extends 40-State Emergency Declaration for Winter Relief appeared first on Truck Drivers USA.