Winter HOS Waiver Extended by FMCSA in 40 States

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Extends Winter HOS Waiver Across 40 States

The HOS waiver remains in place across much of the country as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extends emergency relief tied to severe winter weather. The agency stated that the waiver now covers 40 states and Washington, D.C., and will remain active through February 20, 2026, unless conditions improve sooner.

The move gives truck drivers and fleets more flexibility while hauling food, fuel, medical supplies, and other essential freight. Winter storms, ice, and extreme cold have slowed highways and disrupted supply chains. Because of that, federal officials said extra time on the road may help keep critical goods moving.

However, the waiver only applies to emergency and storm-related work. Routine freight does not qualify.

What the Winter HOS Waiver Means for Drivers

The winter HOS waiver temporarily relaxes certain federal hours-of-service limits for drivers who are directly helping with emergency relief.

As a result, eligible drivers may:

• Drive beyond normal daily limits
• Extend on-duty time when needed
• Deliver urgent loads faster

This flexibility helps when roads close or traffic slows due to snow and ice. It also allows carriers to respond quickly when stores, hospitals, or fuel stations need supplies.

Still, the HOS waiver is not a free pass to run nonstop. Drivers must manage fatigue and operate safely at all times.

Where the Waiver Applies

The HOS waiver stretches across a wide part of the United States. It covers the South, Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the West.

States included are:

Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming, plus Washington, D.C.

Because the list is broad, many regional and long-haul carriers may cross into waiver zones during normal operations. Therefore, fleets should confirm whether each trip qualifies before using the HOS waiver.

What Loads Qualify Under the HOS Waiver

Only freight tied to direct emergency support falls under the HOS waiver. The agency limited relief to shipments that address immediate storm impacts.

Examples include:

• Food and drinking water
• Fuel deliveries
• Medical supplies and equipment
• Utility repair materials
• Equipment used to restore power or clear roads

In contrast, general retail or routine loads do not qualify. Mixed loads may also fall outside the rules if emergency freight is only a small portion.

Once the emergency portion ends, normal HOS rules return. At that point, drivers must log rest and comply with standard limits.

What the HOS Waiver Does Not Change

Even with the HOS waiver, most federal safety rules still apply.

Drivers and carriers must continue to follow:

• CDL requirements
• Drug and alcohol testing
• Vehicle inspections
• Insurance rules
• Hazardous materials regulations

Also, drivers who are out of service cannot use the HOS waiver until they return to compliance.

The agency stressed that safety remains the top priority. Winter roads increase risks. Ice, wind, and low visibility make crashes more likely. Therefore, extra hours should not replace safe driving habits.

How Long Does the Winter Waiver Last?

According to the agency’s emergency bulletin, the current HOS waiver runs from February 3 through February 20, 2026.

Officials may shorten or extend the timeline depending on conditions. If storms continue, another extension is possible. If the weather improves, the waiver may end early.

After the waiver expires, drivers must take enough off-duty time to reset. Then, they must return to normal federal hours-of-service limits.

Why the HOS Waiver Matters for the Trucking Industry

Winter weather often disrupts freight across several states at once. Roads close. Travel slows. Parking fills up fast. As a result, deliveries fall behind.

The HOS waiver helps reduce those problems.

For example, it can:

• Speed deliveries of essential goods
• Support disaster response crews
• Prevent shortages at stores and fuel stations
• Help carriers recover schedules after delays

Because of these benefits, the waiver plays an important role during large weather events. It gives the industry breathing room while communities recover.

Still, fleets must document their operations. They should show that each trip directly supports emergency relief. Clear records help avoid confusion during inspections.

Final Notes on the Winter HOS Waiver

The winter HOS waiver is a targeted tool, not a blanket exemption. It focuses only on urgent, storm-related freight. Routine operations must follow standard rules.

For now, the extension keeps flexibility in place across 40 states. That support may help stabilize freight flows while winter weather continues to affect highways nationwide.

As conditions change, carriers and drivers should monitor updates and confirm whether their loads qualify under the current HOS waiver rules.