FMCSA Expands Fuel-Hauler HOS Waiver to Ethanol Shipments

FMCSA has amended its temporary hours-of-service waiver for interstate fuel transportation, adding ethanol and denatured ethanol alongside gasoline and diesel. The official order remains effective through 11:59 p.m. on December 16, 2026. Heating oil may also travel under the waiver when it is part of a compartmentalized load and represents no more than 75% of the shipment.

The relief is targeted rather than unlimited. A covered driver may not drive more than 16 hours in any 24-hour period. The order requires at least six consecutive hours in a sleeper berth, or eight consecutive off-duty hours when no sleeper berth is available. Drivers must hold the proper CDL and endorsements, carry a physical or digital copy of the waiver and present it to law enforcement when requested.

Several normal safety obligations remain in force. Drivers or carriers under an out-of-service order cannot use the relief until that order is formally rescinded, and carriers with a conditional safety rating are ineligible. When a driver returns from waived work to normal operations after accumulating at least 14 hours, a 10-hour break is required. Drug and alcohol rules, hazardous-materials requirements, insurance obligations and other FMCSRs continue to apply.

Fuel carriers should brief dispatchers and drivers before assigning a trip under the waiver. Confirm the product and load composition, document eligibility, preserve accurate duty records and plan the required rest period before normal work resumes. A high fuel price or urgent delivery alone does not remove the conditions. Drivers should request clarification before departure if the load, endorsements or available rest do not clearly fit the amended order.