As of April 8, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended its Emergency Declaration which suspended “hours-of-service” regulations that limit how many hours a commercial vehicle driver may work before going off-duty. The FMCSA’s Emergency Declaration states the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a nationwide emergency which creates a need for the immediate transportation of “essential supplies, equipment and persons” and warrants an exemption from the FMCSA’s hours-of-service requirement.
The hours-of-service exemption only applies to commercial drivers providing direct assistance for emergency relief measures. This includes the transportation of 1) medical supplies and equipment, 2) community health supplies such as masks, gloves and disinfectants, 3) food, paper products and other groceries, 4) raw materials for manufacturing essential goods, 5) fuel, 6) liquefied gases for cooling systems, 7) and essential workers.
The Emergency Declaration does not apply to routine commercial deliveries. It is also not an exemption from drug & alcohol testing programs, commercial driver’s license and insurance requirements, and hazardous material regulations.
This Declaration will remain in effect until May 15, 2020, or until the President revokes the national emergency, whichever is sooner.
For more information on how to comply with FMCSA regulations during this national emergency, contact the experienced transportation attorneys at Chauvel & Glatt.
The material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute, legal advice or promise similar outcomes. For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500. (photo credit: 123rf.com)
