FMCSA Reviews New Hours-of-Service Exemption Requests for Specialized Fleets

Several specialized carriers are asking FMCSA for limited exemptions from federal hours-of-service rules, according to an August 4 Land Line Media report. The requests cover different operations, including seasonal fireworks transportation, short equipment moves between nearby facilities and prisoner transportation. None of the applications described in the report automatically changes the rules for other drivers.

The newest Federal Register notice concerns Precision Fireworks. The company wants approximately five CDL holders with hazardous-materials endorsements to exclude off-duty and sleeper-berth periods of any length from the 14-hour window while supporting Independence Day displays from June 28 through July 8. The requested exemption would run for five years. Drivers would remain subject to the 11-hour driving limit, the 60- and 70-hour limits and a maximum of 14 accumulated on-duty hours after ten consecutive hours off.

FMCSA’s official notice confirms that public comments are due August 31 under docket FMCSA-2026-1520. It also states that publication is only a request for comments—not an indication that the agency will approve the application. FMCSA must evaluate the safety analysis and determine whether the proposed operation would provide safety equivalent to, or greater than, compliance with the existing rule.

Drivers and dispatchers should continue following the current hours-of-service requirements unless their operation is covered by a final, effective exemption and satisfies every listed condition. A company application, pending docket or news report is not operating authority. Fleets should retain the final notice, train affected employees and configure logging procedures before using any exemption that FMCSA ultimately grants.