Oversized fema loads and hos

Oversize driver is not required to take 30 minute break in 8 hour drive on duty.
This HOS exemption is permanent. Driver should carry printout of exemption to be safe.

 

Yes. If there is an active emergency declaration for which you qualify then you are exempt in the state of origin, the state of delivery, and all states through which you must travel. As you said, you are not exempted by the federal exemption from state oversize/weight laws and must still get permits unless the state gives an exemption.

Nothing in that exemption specifies that oversize loads do not qualify, and since the fmcsa specifically mentions that the exemption doesn't exempt you from permitting requirements you can assume that it does cover oversize loads.

Keep in mind that while HOS may not apply any curfews and night travel restrictions will still apply, unless the state has an emergency exemption for that but not for the permit itself. Since I don't make habit of travelling those states I'm not familiar with curfews or time of day restrictions over there.

 

There is more to it.

1) There is no "Should" carry a copy of the exemption. You MUST carry a copy of the exemption document and present it to law enforcement upon request.

2) Only drivers moving in interstate commerce can use the exemption, not intrastate.

3) All motor carriers using the exemption must have a "Satisfactory" or be "Unrated" by the FMCSA. Carriers ratings of "Conditional" or "Unsatisfactory" can not use the exemption.

4) All motor carriers using the exemption must have a SMS score under the FMCSA intervention threshold.

 

Didn't that particular exemption expire this last June? Or was there an extension that I didn't see?

 

The following was supposed to be in my previous post. Thank you for pointing out the omission. I can not edit it into my original post now.

5) The exemption is good for two years, through June 18, 2017

 

That's what I thought. I keep seeing people talking about that exemption for oversize and I can't find anything extending it or making it permanent.