Update: FMCSA Extends Waiver of Certain HOS Regulations for Urgent Winter Response

The United States Department of Transportation (USDOT), Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) declares that an emergency exists that warrants extension of the Regional Emergency Declaration issued by FMCSA to continue emergency relief granted from certain regulatory requirements in Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). This Extension of Emergency Declaration is issued in response to severe winter storms and cold temperatures substantially below normal in the Affected States and the current and anticipated effects on people and property, including the immediate risk to public health, safety and welfare. This Extension of Emergency Declaration addresses the emergency conditions creating a need for immediate transportation relating to the restoration of essential services and essential supplies. The Affected States and jurisdictions (Affected States) in this Extension of Emergency Declaration are Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

On January 23, 2026, FMCSA issued a Regional Emergency Declaration related to severe winter storms and colder than normal weather providing regulatory relief from 49 CFR § 395.3, maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles, and 49 CFR § 395.5, maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles; the regulatory relief granted under the Emergency Declaration will expire on February 6, 2026. Because emergency conditions have not abated, FMCSA is issuing this Extension of Emergency Declaration and granting regulatory relief in accordance with 49 CFR § 390.25 as set forth herein.

The original waiver was set to expire Feb. 6 and is now extended until Feb. 20.

For more information including restrictions and conditions see: ESC-MSC-SSC-WSC - Extension of Regional Emergency Declaration - No. 2026-001 - 02-03-2026 - signed.pdf

For CVSAs Emergency Declaration Updated Map See: CVSA Emergency Declarations