(Atlanta, GA) - As we all continue to do our part in providing critical support to the affected areas of Hurricane Helene, the Georgia Department of Public Safety wants to ensure that the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) community has access to the resources they need to understand applicable exemptions by providing an update.

Executive Order 09.24.24.01 issued by Governor Brian Kemp on September 24, 2024, provides specific regulatory relief to commercial vehicles and operators of commercial vehicles providing direct assistance to areas affected by Hurricane Helene. Within this Order, regulations limiting the number of hours an operator of a CMV may drive have been suspended to ensure uninterrupted supply of goods and services necessary to respond to the State of Emergency. Should a CMV driver become ill or fatigued, they shall be given at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty. 

Additionally, size and weight exemptions have been provided through Executive Order 09.24.24.01 for roadways maintained by the State of Georgia. In accordance with the Stafford Act, allowance increases specific to weight will also apply on interstate systems for certain carriers transporting relief supplies or providing debris removal. To transport cargo outside of the current size and weight limitations, carriers can obtain a free permit from the Georgia Dept. of Public Safety by calling (404) 635-8176 during normal business hours Monday to Friday. A permit can also be obtained through our online portal at www.gaprospermits.com. Additional size and weight limit increases provided under Executive Order 09.24.24.01 can be found by reviewing the provided Order.  

In addition to the above exemptions, carriers and drivers providing direct assistance to areas affected by Hurricane Helene also qualify for Federal exemptions provided under the recently published FMCSA Regional Emergency Declaration. This Declaration, which is valid until October 27, 2024, provides regulatory relief for Parts 390-399 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.

We understand that regulations and exemptions can sometimes be difficult to interpret. That is why we invite carriers and drivers to submit their questions to [email protected] should they need clarification on Hurricane Helene CMV exemptions. Another resource that we would like to provide is the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) Emergency Declaration Portal (www.cvsaemergencydeclarations.org). Here, carriers and drivers can search and review various Executive Orders throughout North America. As we all work together to support our State, the Georgia Department of Public Safety is here to provide the education & guidance to the commercial motor vehicle community in a collaborative effort to help Georgians.

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