The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has issued a regional emergency declaration for Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Tennessee and Texas as Subtropical Storm Alberto begins hitting the Southeast.
Hours-of-service rules are being suspended for motor carriers engaged in relief efforts such as “transportation of supplies, equipment and persons into and from those States.”
Subtropical Storm Alberto made landfall Monday afternoon in the Florida Panhandle, killing at least two people and threatening the Southeast with flooding as it is expected to spread moisture across the region into the middle of the week.
FMCSA’s notice grants exemption from Parts 390-399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Parts 390-399 cover parts and accessories needed for safe operation, hours of service and longer combination vehicles. Drivers are not exempted from the controlled substances and alcohol use and testing requirements, the commercial driver’s license requirements, the insurance requirements, the hazardous material regulations, and size and weight requirements.
According to FMCSA’s website, drivers should communicate with state emergency officials before making trips to offer assistance.
