Fireworks Truckers Want to Haul Past 14-Hour Driver Limit
Published Date: 7/30/2026
Notice
Summary
FMCSA requests public comment on Precision Fireworks LLC's (Precision) application for exemption from the HOS requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must not drive following the 14th hour after coming on duty. FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request. This notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Applicant warns denial may halt shows, risk storage
Precision says that without the exemption it would be unable to provide professional fireworks displays for Texas, New Mexico, and Missouri, and that denial would lead to unsecured parking of Division 1.1G, 1.3G and 1.4G fireworks in public areas. The applicant raised these points as reasons it needs the exemption for the Independence Day staging period.
Exemption request to change 14‑hour HOS math
Precision Fireworks LLC asks to be allowed to exclude off‑duty and sleeper‑berth time of any length from the calculation of the 14‑hour on‑duty window in 49 CFR 395.3(a)(2). If granted, the exemption would apply to about 5 drivers of 5 commercial motor vehicles during the period June 28–July 8 for each year 2026 through 2031; drivers would still be subject to the 11‑hour driving limit and the 60‑ and 70‑hour on‑duty limits.
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