The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has again extended its March 13, 2020 Emergency Declaration that granted relief to drivers transporting emergency supplies from compliance with certain driver safety regulatory requirements in federal regulations (49 C.F.R. §§ 390-399). The March 13 Declaration, originally set to expire on April 12, which was extended to 11:59 P.M. on May 15, 2020, has now been extended to 11:59 P.M. on June 14, 2020, or when the national emergency declared by President Trump ends, whichever is earlier.
It is important to note that the restrictions outlined in the order extending the Emergency Declaration to May 15, 2020 still apply to the latest order extending the Emergency Declaration to June 14, 2020. For more information on the specific restrictions and the types of transportation services that the FMCSA has provided relief from regulations, an explanation of the March 13, 2020 Declaration can be accessed
here, and an explanation of the April 8, 2020 expanded Declaration can be accessed
here.
Motor carriers must continue to ensure that their drivers are not overworked or fatigued and must immediately take any driver that shows signs of illness or fatigue off duty. Also, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, recordkeeping during this time is extremely important.
A copy of the latest Declaration can be accessed
here.