Hours regs suspension extended for drought in Dakotas, N.C. adds waiver too

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Updated Aug 1, 2017
FMCSA has extended the emergency declaration in the Dakotas due to severe drought conditions, thus extending an hours-of-service suspension for carriers providing drought relief. An emergency declaration has also been declared in North Carolina due to a power outage on the Outer Banks.FMCSA has extended the emergency declaration in the Dakotas due to severe drought conditions, thus extending an hours-of-service suspension for carriers providing drought relief. An emergency declaration has also been declared in North Carolina due to a power outage on the Outer Banks.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a Regional Emergency Declaration for North Dakota and South Dakota, extending the hours-of-service suspension for carriers providing drought relief to the states.

The emergency declaration allows truckers hauling hay, feed, livestock, supplies and equipment into or from South Dakota and North Dakota, or providing other emergency services, to be exempt from hours-of-service regulations.

FMCSA clarifies that the suspension of regulations doesn’t allow truckers to drive when their ability or alertness is impaired through fatigue or illness. The declaration also does not apply to size and weight regulations, CDL requirements, insurance requirements or other regulations.

The emergency declaration for the two states is in effect until emergency conditions end, or through Aug. 26, whichever is less.

Earlier in July, Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts issued an emergency declaration for carriers participating in drought relief efforts in the Dakotas through Aug. 9.

North Carolina temporarily suspends regs for Outer Banks power outage

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper last week issued an executive order, suspending certain trucking regulations for those transporting essentials to the Outer Banks islands of Hatteras and Ocracoke. The order notes the power outage “could extend for weeks,” prompting the emergency declaration.

Carriers hauling fuel oil, diesel oil, gasoline, kerosene, propane, liquid petroleum gas, food, water and medical supplies to residential and commercial establishments are exempt from hours-of-service regulations in the state.

The emergency declaration also states certain size and weight restrictions and penalties have been waived for trucks hauling equipment and supplies for restoring utilities to the area.

The order is in effect until the emergency ends, or Aug. 26, whichever is less.