USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Massachusetts Hours of Service Waiver (Jan 2025)

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
STATE HOUSE BOSTON, MA 02133
(617) 725-4000


MAURA T. HEALEY 
GOVERNOR   

KIMBERLEY DRISCOLL
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR

DECLARATION OF EMERGENCY NOTICE
(Title 49 CFR Section 390.23)

Pursuant to 49 CFR Section 390.23, I, Governor Maura T. Healey, declare that an emergency exists pertaining to intrastate transportation of propane and heating oil to customers in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

This emergency exemption is issued due to high demand for propane and heating oil as a result of the recent extreme cold temperatures, significantly higher will-call and automatic customer delivery volumes, and wait times at fuel terminals.

This emergency declaration provides regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicles operations while providing direct assistance supporting the delivery of propane and heating oil into the affected areas and to consumers during the emergency.

This emergency exemption is effective beginning 12:00 P.M., EST, January 10, 2025 and will remain in effect until 11:59 P.M., EST, January 24, 2025 unless rescinded sooner by appropriate order.

The following is ordered:

  1. An emergency exists that requires relief from regulations adopted in Massachusetts and Federal Statutes and Regulations pertaining to hours of service of motor carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles, while transporting and delivering fuels necessary for the continued heating of homes, businesses and other structures. (49 CFR Part 395).
     
  2. Nothing contained in this declaration shall be construed as an exemption from the Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use and Testing requirements (49 CFR Part 382), the Commercial Driver’s License requirements (49 CFR Part 383), the Financial Responsibility requirements (49 CFR Part 387), applicable Size and Weight requirements, or any other portion of the regulation not specifically authorized pursuant to Title 49 CFR Section 390.23.
     
  3. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this exemption shall require or allow a fatigued or ill driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who informs a carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten consecutive hours off-duty before the driver is allowed to return to service.
     
  4. Motor carriers or drivers that have an Out of Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulations that this declaration provides under Title 49 CFR Section 390.23.
     
  5. The relief from regulations provided by this declaration may not be relied upon when a driver or commercial vehicle is used to transport cargo or provide services not directly supporting the emergency relief effort.
     
  6. Drivers of motor carriers that operate under this Declaration of Emergency Notice must have a copy of it in their possession.
     
  7. Consistent with Title 49 CFR Section 390.23, this emergency notice will remain in effect through 11:59 P.M., EST, January 24, 2025 EST or sooner if terminated by the Governor.

Maura T. Healey
Governor

DATE: January 12, 2025
11:00 AM

Last updated: Monday, January 13, 2025