Truckers Get Extra Emergency Days: Bureaucracy's Rare Act of Kindness?
Published Date: 1/9/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FMCSA wants to change emergency exemptions for truck drivers from 14 days back to 30 days after a state emergency is declared. This affects drivers and companies relying on these rules during emergencies, giving them more time for relief. Comments on this change are open until March 10, 2026, so speak up if you’re impacted!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Fewer Extension Requests, Small Cost Savings
By reverting the automatic exemption to 30 days, FMCSA expects fewer requests to extend emergency exemptions. FMCSA cites prior estimates that reducing extension requests could save motor carriers up to $1,011 per year and reduce Federal review costs by up to $1,589 per year based on the October 2023 analysis.
Emergency Exemptions Extended to 30 Days
FMCSA is proposing to change the automatic emergency exemption that currently lasts 14 days back to 30 days when a Governor (or their authorized representative) or FMCSA declares a regional emergency. The exemption would still only apply to hours-of-service rules in 49 CFR 395.3 and 395.5 and only to motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance, and it would not continue longer than the declared emergency period.
Relief Limited to HOS Rules Only
The proposal keeps the emergency exemption limited to only the hours-of-service regulations in sections 395.3 and 395.5 and only for motor carriers and drivers providing direct assistance during the emergency. The exemption will also end if the Governor's declared emergency ends earlier than the exemption period.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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