CONCORD, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) New Hampshire officials have moved to ensure uninterrupted delivery of propane and home heating oil as winter weather tightens its grip on the state.

Safety Commissioner Robert Quinn signed an emergency declaration Friday temporarily relaxing federal limits on how long certain commercial drivers can remain on the road. The action is intended to help fuel suppliers keep up with demand amid winter storms, colder-than-average temperatures and an ongoing shortage of commercial drivers.

The declaration provides limited relief from federal hours-of-service rules for motor carriers delivering propane and heating oil to residential and commercial customers across the state. State officials said the flexibility is necessary to maintain essential heating services during a period when fuel deliveries are critical to public safety.

The order does not eliminate safety requirements. Motor carriers are prohibited from allowing fatigued or sick drivers to operate vehicles, and any driver requesting rest must receive at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before returning to service. Companies with active out-of-service orders or suspended or revoked state certificates are not eligible to use the exemption.

Other federal and state regulations — including those governing commercial driver licensing, drug and alcohol testing, vehicle size and weight, and financial responsibility — remain fully in effect. Drivers operating under the emergency declaration must carry a copy of the order with them.

The emergency order is set to remain in place until midnight Jan. 4, 2026. Drivers who take advantage of the extended hours may reset their hours-of-service clock after taking 34 consecutive hours off duty once the emergency period ends.