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Now in Effect: DOT Waivers - Hours of Service - Overweight Regulations

Now in Effect: DOT Waivers - Hours of Service - Overweight Regulations

FMCSA Waives Hours of Service as Governor Abbott Declares Emergency Ahead of Hurricane Harvey Landfall in Texas

Governor Greg Abbott has declared a state of emergency for counties that are going to be impacted by the landfall of Hurricane Harvey. The declaration states that “any regulatory statute prescribing the procedures for conduct of state business or any order or rule of a state agency that would in any way prevent, hinder or delay necessary action in coping with this disaster shall be suspended upon written approval of the Office of the Governor.”

For TFFA members, the most important part of this declaration is the suspension of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) hours of service (HOS) limitations. Commercial drivers can drive over the normal 12 hour limit if their job length is related to the abnormal conditions caused by Hurricane Harvey. In addition, overweight restrictions have been waived.

The disaster declaration applies to the following counties: Aransas, Austin, Bee, Calhoun, Chambers, Colorado, Brazoria, DeWitt, Fayette, Fort Bend, Galveston, Goliad, Gonzales, Harris, Jackson, Jefferson, Jim Wells, Karnes, Kleberg, Lavaca, Liberty, Live Oak, Matagorda, Nueces, Refugio, San Patricio, Victoria, Waller, Wharton, and Wilson.

Read Governor Greg Abbott's Proclamation Declaring a State of Disaster
Learn more about Emergency Declerations, Waivers, and Exemptions and Permits
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