Colorado, North and South Dakota, Utah and Wyoming have declared temporary emergency exemptions of federal driving hours for deliveries of heating fuel. The Colorado State Patrol on Dec. 20 approved a temporary exemption through Jan. 31 from federal hours-of-service regulations for commercial drivers hauling consumer heating fuels, propane and natural gas.
“Should it become apparent that a driver’s ability or alertness is impaired, or is likely to become impaired by fatigue or illness, the driver must not be allowed to drive. In addition, an ill or fatigued driver shall not operate a commercial motor vehicle,” stated Maj. J.P. Burt of the Colorado State Patrol operational services branch, in a letter posted on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration website.
North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum issued executive order 2022-11 on Dec. 19 (effective for 30 days) noting that the state is experiencing record winter storms and cold temperatures that is causing significant demand and decreased availability of heating fuels such as diesel fuel, gas, heating oil, propane and natural gas.
