The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is providing the following information to assist motor carriers and drivers in understanding how disasters may affect their transportation operations.

Emergency Declaration Information
To provide vital supplies and transportation services to a disaster area in the United States, emergency declarations may be issued by the President, Governors of States, or FMCSA. These declarations trigger the temporary suspension of certain Federal safety regulations, including Hours of Service, for motor carriers and drivers engaged in specific aspects of the emergency relief effort. See 49 CFR 390.23 for the actual emergency regulation.

Relief from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations is limited to a maximum of 30 days, unless extended by FMCSA itself. In order to be in full compliance with all declarations, be sure to read the definitions of "emergency" and "emergency relief."

The information below reflects currently available relief. Refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) for more information.

NOTE:

• These Federal exemptions, when in effect, only apply to 49 CFR Parts 390-399. They do NOT apply to CDL, drug/alcohol, hazardous materials, size & weight, or State/Federal registration and tax requirements. (However, a Governor's Declaration may add some of those exemptions—read the declaration for details.)
• Even if an Emergency Declaration is still in effect, the emergency must be on-going and you must be providing direct emergency relief in order to be exempt from safety regulations.
• The list of Emergency Declarations below may not be complete. Declarations may be in effect even if not listed here.
• Drivers and carriers should coordinate with State and Federal emergency officials before providing assistance.
• Even though safety regulations may be suspended, drivers and carriers are expected to use good judgment and not operate vehicles with fatigued or ill drivers, or under any conditions presenting a clear hazard to other motorists using the highways.

Questions:
If you have any questions regarding the emergency exemptions identified in 49 CFR 390.23 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, please contact a local FMCSA Division Office.

As always, FMCSA urges all truck drivers and motor carriers providing relief to exercise their best judgment regarding safety.

Rules Affected By Relief Efforts   Temporary Relief of HOS and Other Federal and State Regulations Coordination of Relief Efforts Frequently Asked Questions FMCSA Field Offices

Emergency Web Sites   Federal Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Hurricane Center State Alabama Arkansas New Florida Louisiana Maryland Mississippi North Carolina Texas Virginia