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Dear Members,
The FMCSA officially posted notice of Final Rule for Emergency Exemptions. Please see below for more information.
Federal Register: Public Inspection: Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions
PDF Version of This Federal Register
This action revises the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to:
- Allow automatic relief of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations during an emergency, while shortening the duration and scope of exemption, except in the case of a presidential declaration of federal emergency;
- Allow for additional reporting requirements when issuing extended/modified exemptions;
- Establish a dedicated email inbox for extensions/modifications requests.
Additionally, the final rule eliminates the provision that provided automatic regulatory relief for other elements of 49 CFR parts 390 – 399 such as medical certification of drivers, vehicle inspection requirements, parts and accessories, transportation of hazardous materials.
FMCSA’s decision comes after thorough assessment of relevant data. Receiving public input was a critical part of the decision-making process, and they thank all who provided comment in response to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking FMCSA issued last December (2022). FMCSA reviewed each and every comment received.
The final rule allows for the automatic relief of Hours of Service (HOS) regulations during an emergency, while shortening the duration and scope of exemption (except in the case of a presidential declaration of federal emergency).
The Final Rule also eliminates the provision that provided automatic regulatory relief for other elements such as medical certification of drivers, vehicle inspection requirements, parts and accessories, and transportation of hazardous materials.
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