As a result of a winter storm that has impacted much of the Central and Eastern U.S. over the weekend and into the beginning of this week, road conditions across affected areas are fluid. Many areas have experienced road closures and dangerous conditions. For the latest road conditions from state DOTs across the nation, follow Overdrive’s Roads 511 list on X.
Several states, meantime, have issued emergency declarations to help with response and recovery efforts.
Kansas: Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly issued a declaration waiving maximum driving time regulations for motor carriers providing direct assistance to storm relief efforts. Additionally, Kelly suspended Parts 390-399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for carriers and drivers transporting residential heating fuel in the affected areas.
Kentucky: Gov. Andy Beshear and Transportation Cabinet Secretary Jim Gray issued a declaration providing relief from the hours of service for commercial vehicles transporting propane, fuel oil, kerosene and other needed supplies within affected areas. The declaration also waives the requirement that these trucks stop at weigh stations. Additionally, the declaration waives the maximum driving time regs for haulers transporting loads for direct assistance, including essential fuels, food, water, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies, and feed for livestock and poultry; transporting livestock, poultry and crops ready to be harvested; and the restoration of utility and transportation services.
Missouri: Missouri Gov. Michael Parson declared an emergency waiving hours of service regulations for drivers transporting residential heating fuels, including propane, natural gas and heating oil. No other petroleum products or other fuels are covered by the exemption.
New York: The New York State Department of Transportation is altering several hours of service rules in the state for drivers transporting heating fuels in the state. The 70 hours in 8 days cumulative duty limitation is modified to be 84 hours; the 60 hours in 7 days is modified to be 74 hours; the 14-hour daily on-duty window is modified to be 16 hours, and an 8-hour off-duty period is required to reset the 16-hour provision; and the 34-hour restart provision is modified to be 24 hours. Carriers can utilize a 24-hour off duty period that occurred prior to the date of the order to comply with the last change. Finally, on-duty time for the purposes of the 60/70- or 14-hour rules shall not include time spent waiting in a commercial motor vehicle while on the property of a shipper or carrier, loading point, unloading point, or terminal immediately subsequent to or preceding loading/unloading operations.
Oklahoma: Drivers transporting residential heating fuel in Oklahoma were granted relief from the maximum driving time regulations, according to a declaration from Oklahoma Department of Public Safety Commissioner Tim Tipton and Gov. J. Kevin Stitt.
Virginia: Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency for the winter weather. The declaration gives state agencies, including the Department of Transportation, the authority to implement the Commonwealth of Virginia Emergency Operations Plan.
West Virginia: West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice issued an emergency declaration as a result of the winter storm system, prompting West Virginia Emergency Management Division Director G.E. McCabe to waive maximum driving time regulations for motor carriers in West Virginia providing direct assistance to the winter storm. The declaration covers but is not limited to, fuel, propane, groceries, and other essential products.
