FMCSA Issued Regional Emergency Declaration

FMCSA Issued Regional Emergency Declaration

According to the Regional Field Administrators for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Eastern, Midwestern, Southern, and Western Service Centers, some reasons require this Regional Declaration to be issued. It concerns the emergency and exemption from Parts 390 through 399 of the FMCSRs.

This Declaration applies to the following states: Arkansas, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The emergency arose due to winter storms in the states, as mentioned earlier. As a result, there is now damaged communication, a shortage of heating and other fuel. Thus, it became necessary to immediately transport essential goods, fuels of various types, and other crucial materials to states with an emergency. This Declaration simplifies specific procedures for drivers who are involved in the provision of assistance. 

The Regional Emergency Declaration states that drivers and automobile carriers who provide direct assistance to states affected by winter storms receive relief under Parts 390 through 399 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations. Relief does not apply to cases limited by the Declaration.

In addition to transporting essentials and fuel, emergency help also means transporting people to and from the affected states. It also includes the provision of other assistance, such as emergency services during extremal situations. Direct assistance ends when a driver or truck is used to transport goods or provide international trade services. In such cases, they do not provide emergency assistance to victims of winter storms, and the above exemption does not apply to them. Help also ends if the carrier sends the truck to another destination for commercial purposes. 

It is important to note that a 10-hour break is required when the driver changes from assisting to normal operations — provided that the total driver’s working time (when providing emergency assistance or a combination of help and regular duties) is 14 hours. 

This Declaration does not mean an exemption from the control of alcohol and drugs, requirements for a commercial driver’s license, financial responsibility, requirements for transporting hazardous materials, and oversized cargo. It also does not apply to drivers and companies who are currently suspended from work.

The Declaration entered into force on February 17 and is valid until March 4, 2021.

Become a member of Make Trucking Great Again Association (MTGAA)
Coming Soon!
MTGAA offers in the insurance industry
Our unique partnerships with various insurance companies allow us to create a list of flexible discounts. Here is the loyalty program from MTGAA, which we are justifiably proud of.
American Service Stations and their Happy Hours for truckers
Among the repairers, our association has many friends. Therefore, MTGAA has the opportunity to receive unique discounts.
Loyalty Program that allows satisfying the truckers
Gasoline prices always and everywhere excite all car owners. That is why we knew our offer would not leave any of the truckers indifferent.
Other benefits that allow understanding the advantage of membership in the MTGAA
Today, our MTGAA is primarily a business platform. Now professional organizations act as not only intermediaries between workers and the government.
Similar Articles

The MTGAA Petitioned the FMCSA to Amend the 34-Hour Driver Shift Schedule

In particular, the email explicitly mentions a 34-hour reset.

Read more

Employers of CDL Drivers Must Purchase a Query Plan

Companies that employ CDL drivers have to conduct queries in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. For this, they have to purchase a query plan before carrying

Read more
Operation Safe Driver Week

2021 Operation Safe Driver Week Will Focus on Speeding

This year’s Operation Safe Driver Week will run on July 11-17. During this time, the authorized bodies will carry out activities aimed at improving road

Read more
CVSA Updated Out-of-Service Criteria

CVSA Updated Out-of-Service Criteria

On April 1, 2021, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance updated the Out-of-Service Criteria. Authorities use these criteria to identify violations related to

Read more
Stay in touch with the latest news
Subscribe to our newsletter️
We care about your data in our privacy policy