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How do I need to identify my vehicle when providing direct assistance? What paperwork must I carry?
There are no specific requirements to identify a vehicle operating under an emergency declaration or for paperwork that must be carried on the vehicle. However, drivers should be...
Am I still exempt while returning empty from delivering an exempt load?
49 CFR 390.23 provides, in part, “…A driver may return empty to the motor carrier's terminal or the driver's normal work reporting location without complying with parts 390 through 399 of this chapter. However, a...
Is the time spent driving to pick up a truck regulated as on duty time?
No. Time spent travelling to work in a personal vehicle does not meet the definition of on duty time in 49 CFR 395.2.
I have a truck that is not normally used commercially and a local charitable group wants me to take donated clothing and supplies to the impacted area. What do I need to know?
Be certain to read all of the FAQs for 49 CFR 390.23 to ensure compliance, and consult your State’s...
Are motor carriers required to obtain approval from the FMCSA prior to participating in the emergency relief effort?
No. With one exception, any motor carrier providing direct assistance, as defined in the regulations, to the emergency relief effort may participate. ...
What would NOT be included in exempt services and supplies in a declared emergency?
The emergency exemption does not include transportation related to long-term rehabilitation of damaged physical infrastructure or routine commercial deliveries after the initial threat to life and...
What services and supplies are covered by an emergency declaration?
In general, direct assistance includes the immediate restoration of essential services (such as electricity, medical care, sewer, water, telecommunications, and telecommunication transmissions) or essential...
How do I know what emergency declarations are in effect at any given time?
The FMCSA makes every attempt to list known declarations of emergency on its website at www.fmcsa.dot.gov/emergency-declarations. Regional emergency exemptions based on 49 CFR 390.23 are valid for 30...
Where do the emergency exemptions apply?
Drivers responding to provide direct assistance to a declared emergency are exempt from applicable regulations in all States on their route to the emergency, even though those States may not be involved in the emergency or...
What other regulations are NOT exempted by a Declaration of Emergency?
Declarations of emergency that trigger the provisions of 49 CFR 390.23 do not exempt motor carriers or drivers from requirements relating to license plates, taxes, oversize-overweight rules, or “for hire...