Several states have issued emergency Hours of Service waivers due to the effects of Hurricane Helene:
Florida: Pursuant to 49 CFR § 390.23, motor carriers and drivers operating a commercial motor vehicle to provide emergency relief during an emergency are exempt from 49 CFR Parts 395.3 and 395.5 until October 7, 2024. Full text here.
Georgia: That the federal rules and regulations limiting hours that operators of commercial vehicles may drive are suspended to ensure the uninterrupted supply of goods and services necessary to respond to this State of Emergency for Tropical Storm Helene, including petroleum products. This declared emergency justifies a suspension of Part 395 (driver's hours of service) of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. The suspension will remain in effect for fourteen (14) days or until the emergency condition ceases to exist, whichever is less. Full text here.
North Carolina: Pursuant to 49 C.F.R. § 390.23, I hereby waive 49 C.F.R. § 395.3 for vehicles transporting loads that are for use in (1) providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts including transporting essential fuels, food, water, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies, feed for livestock and poultry, (2) transporting livestock, poultry, and crops ready to be harvested, or (3) the restoration of utility and transportation services in response to Helene in North Carolina and affected states for fourteen (14) days. Full text here.
South Carolina: I hereby [...] waive or suspend application and enforcement of the requisite state and federal rules and regulations pertaining to hours of service for operators of commercial vehicles operating in accordance with the provisions of any emergency declaration issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ("FMCSA"); responding or providing direct assistance, as defined by 49 C.F.R. § 390.5, to any emergency conditions in this State or any declared emergencies in the State of North Carolina or the State of Georgia or in other States in connection with the forecasted severe weather associated with Hurricane Helene or the anticipated impacts thereof. Full text here.
Kentucky: Pursuant to 49 C.F.R. Section 390.23, I hereby waive 49 C.F.R. Section 395.3 for vehicles transporting loads that are for use in (1) providing direct assistance supporting emergency relief efforts including transporting essential fuels, food, water, non-alcoholic beverages, medical supplies, feed for livestock and poultry, (2) transporting livestock, poultry, and crops ready to be harvested, or (3) the restoration of utility and transportation services in response to the Severe Weather Event in Florida for fourteen (14) days. Full text here.
Tennessee: In accordance with 49 C.F.R. § 390.23 as adopted by Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 1340-06-01-.08, there is hereby provided a temporary exception from the federal rules and regulations in 49 C.F .R. Part 395 limiting the hours of service for the operator of a commercial motor vehicle providing supplies, equipment, personnel, and other provisions to assist persons affected by the severe weather in Tennessee. Full text here.