FMCSA Waives Some HOS Rules for Northeastern States Affected by Blizzard

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has waived some hours-of-service rules for truckers serving in emergency-relief capacity in northeastern states affected by the weekend blizzard.

The waivers affect Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island.

The waivers — outlined on FMCSA’s website — have varying expiration dates, depending on the type of emergency service, but in several states will remain in effect for the duration of a given state’s emergency declaration.

Most are for delivering supplies such as fuel, heating oil or other vital commodities.

FMCSA said that “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.”