Numerous states have declared States of Emergency following Hurricane Helene’s path of destruction through the country. Many of the executive orders also included waivers allowing for emergency response relief.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these states include Florida, Georgia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Kentucky. West Virginia also declared a State of Preparedness prior to the storm hitting, and Tennessee issued an Executive Order to provide relief to victims of the severe weather and flooding.

The Tennessee, South Carolina, and North Carolina Executive Orders included waivers suspending the maximum weight, height, length, and width requirements for vehicles providing relief efforts in response to the severe weather. They also provided a temporary exception from federal rules and regulations that limit the hours of service for operators of commercial vehicles that are providing supplies and resources to help assist. Other states have had similar waivers issued by state departments as part of their emergency response plans.

Alabama also invoked waivers regarding fuel transportation following Hurricane Helene. One waiver announced that the Alabama Department of Environmental Management will not take enforcement action for the loading of gasoline at Alabama bulk gasoline terminals and/or refineries by tank trucks that do not possess valid ADEM or Jefferson County Air Permits and Air Stickers, if the lack of an air sticker can truly be traced to this emergency.

Another Alabama waiver ordered temporary suspension of the motor fuel exporter, importer, and transporter licensing requirements associated with the Alabama Terminal Excise Tax for exporters, importers, or transporters supporting disaster relief efforts by engaging in the export of motor fuel from Alabama to areas in other states impacted by Hurricane Helene.