Government of the District of Columbia
Department of Transportation

Special Guidance for Carriers Transporting Gasoline, Diesel, Jet fuel, Ethanol and Other Refined Petroleum Products for Emergency Relief in Response to Colonial Pipeline Disruptions

May 14, 2021

Pursuant to the Authority delegated to the Director of the District Department of Transportation under DC Code 50-921.02(b) and Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Emergency Declaration 2021-002 acknowledging and responding to the transportation emergency throughout the region due to the unanticipated disruptions of the Colonial pipeline system, vehicles transporting gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, ethanol and other refined petroleum products for emergency relief within the District of Columbia are allowed a 15% tolerance above any weight limit imposed by statute on the Interstate Highway System. Said tolerance shall be the only tolerance applicable to the vehicle. Vehicles exceeding this tolerance and carrying a non-divisible load shall obtain a hauling permit as required. No vehicle shall exceed any tire manufacturer's maximum load capacity rating or cargo tank laden weight specification as required by 49 CFR 178.345-14. Carriers and drivers operating under the provisions of Emergency Declaration 2021-002 must adhere to all roadway restrictions of the District of Columbia regarding roadway, bridge and tunnel size, weight and hazardous material limitations.

In addition, pursuant to Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations Part 390.23, motor carriers and drivers transporting gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, ethanol and other refined petroleum products, and provided relief from Parts 390-399 of Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Emergency Declaration 2021-002, are extended identical relief while in intrastate operation on state and local roadways. Motor carriers and drivers must adhere to the requirement of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations Part 390.3 related to ill or fatigued drivers and all requirements so stated in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Order 2021-002. Nothing in this declaration relieves the carrier or driver of responsibility for the safe operation of the vehicle.

In accordance with 49 CFR § 390.23, this guidance is effective immediately and shall remain in effect for 4 days from the date of Issuance unless rescinded or extended by the District Department of Transportation.

This information is for immediate dissemination to preclude inadvertent ticketing or detention. If there are any questions, please contact Laura MacNeil at 202-497-5091.

May 14, 2021

Everett Lott    
Acting Director
District Department of Transportation