COMMONWEALTH of VIRGINIA

DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
1401 EAST BROAD STREET
RICHMOND. VA 23219

Stephen C. Brich, P.E.
  Commissioner

February 10, 2025

TO: Affected Agencies and Shippers/Carriers

SUBJECT: Waiver for carriers transporting essential emergency relief supplies or providing emergency restoration of infrastructure services.

To provide preparedness and response support to areas affected by forecasted winter weather the Governor declared a State of Emergency to exist for the Commonwealth of Virginia and is seeking to grant temporary overweight, over width, registration, license, or hours of service exemptions to all carriers transporting essential emergency relief supplies to, through and from any area of the Commonwealth. This authorization also applies to water, food, heating oil, motor fuels or propane, agricultural products, agricultural supplies, livestock and poultry, livestock and poultry feed, forest products and salvaged wood, waste, and trees cut in preparation for the storm, or providing restoration of utilities (including but not limited to electricity, gas, phone, water, wastewater, and cable) or removal of waste to, through, and from any area of the Commonwealth in order to support the disaster response and recovery, regardless of their point of origin or destination.

As a result, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles authorizes a temporary waiver of registration and licensing requirements for carriers, and the Commissioner of Highways authorizes a temporary waiver of normal weight and width restrictions on roads controlled by the Virginia Department of Transportation, for the express purpose of ensuring that emergency essential supplies and services reach impacted areas in a timely manner. This waiver is effective beginning February 10, 2025, until March 9, 2025, and includes an exemption in coordination with the Virginia Department of Emergency Management which activates the FMSCA Section 390.23 Relief of Regulations including hours of service. This waiver only pertains to statewide shippers and carriers associated with emergency relief efforts.

Weight exemptions are not valid on posted structures for restricted weight. Weight exemptions are also not valid on interstate highways unless there is an associated federal emergency declaration. The exemption shall not exceed the duration of the motor carrier's or driver's direct assistance in providing emergency relief, or 15 days from the initial declaration of emergency, whichever is less.

All over width loads, up to a maximum of 12 feet, and over height loads up to a maximum of 14 feet must follow Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles hauling permit and safety guidelines.

This information is for immediate dissemination to preclude inadvertent ticketing or detention. Multi-agency support and cooperation is appreciated. If there are any questions, please contact Mr. Matt Lott at (804) 786-4692.

Sincerely,

Stephen C. Brich, P.E.

vdot.virginia.gov
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