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CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire officials have extended an emergency order that temporarily relaxes driving-hour limits for propane and home heating oil deliveries as winter weather and staffing shortages continue to strain fuel suppliers.
State Safety Commissioner Robert L. Quinn signed an extension this past Friday of the declaration first issued Jan. 15. The order, which had been scheduled to expire Feb. 15, will now remain in effect through midnight Feb. 28.
The declaration, issued under federal emergency authority and state law, provides limited relief from federal hours-of-service regulations for motor carriers delivering propane and heating oil to homes and businesses across New Hampshire. Officials say the move is intended to prevent service disruptions during a stretch of winter storms, below-average temperatures and an ongoing shortage of commercial driver’s license holders.
Under the order, drivers may work extended hours if they are able and requested to do so. However, companies are prohibited from requiring or permitting fatigued or ill drivers to operate vehicles. Any driver who reports needing rest must be given at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before returning to service.
The exemption applies only to hours-of-service rules. All other federal and state requirements remain in place, including commercial driver licensing standards, controlled substance and alcohol testing rules, financial responsibility mandates, and vehicle size and weight limits. Motor carriers operating under an active out-of-service order or with a suspended or revoked state certificate are not eligible to use the emergency relief.
Drivers operating under the declaration must carry a copy of the order while on duty. Those who take advantage of the extended hours may reset their hours-of-service clock after taking 34 consecutive hours off duty at the end of their extended work period.
State officials first implemented emergency measures earlier this winter as demand for heating fuel surged during severe cold snaps. Authorities say maintaining steady propane and heating oil deliveries remains critical to public safety, particularly for residents and businesses that rely exclusively on those fuels for heat.
The emergency declaration will automatically expire at midnight on Feb. 28 unless further action is taken.