California wildfires prompt regs suspension for emergency relief loads

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FMCSA has issued a Regional Emergency Declaration for the State of California in response to widespread wildfires and…

Posted by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration on Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Multiple wildfires across California have prompted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to suspend certain regulations for truck drivers providing direct assistance to the state, including hours of service and more.

FMCSA is also suspending the Temporary Operating Authority Registration fees for carriers requesting temporary authority to provide direct assistance to emergency relief efforts in the state.

Trucking companies hauling supplies, goods, equipment and fuel into California, or providing other emergency assistance, are exempt from Parts 390 through 399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). Direct assistance ends when a truck is used in interstate commerce to transport cargo or provide services not directly supporting the emergency relief effort.

At least three large wildfires are threatening millions of people in California between Los Angeles and the Sacramento area. The National Weather Service in Los Angeles says a mixture of high winds and dry conditions sets up for wildfires to spread rapidly Wednesday and Thursday.