Virginia Issues Emergency Transportation Waiver for Winter Storm Relief (Jan. 22 – Feb. 5, 2026)

As Virginia prepares for significant winter weather—expected to include snow, ice, and freezing rain—the Commonwealth has activated an emergency transportation waiver to support rapid response and recovery. Effective January 22, 2026, through February 5, 2026, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) has authorized a temporary suspension of certain transportation regulations for carriers engaged in winter storm relief efforts.

This emergency order is designed to help move critical supplies and services quickly and safely across the state as severe weather threatens to impact infrastructure, utilities, and essential community needs.

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Why the Waiver Was Issued

This action follows the Governor’s State of Emergency (EO‑11), issued in anticipation of the winter storm expected to significantly affect Virginia—particularly on January 24–25, 2026. By loosening specific transport restrictions, the Commonwealth aims to ensure that emergency crews, utility service providers, and supply carriers can reach affected areas without unnecessary delays.

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Key Details of the Transportation Waiver

📅 Duration

January 22, 2026 – February 5, 2026

The waiver is active for the duration of direct emergency assistance or 30 days, whichever is shorter.

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🚚 Who the Waiver Applies To

Carriers providing direct assistance in winter storm response, including:

• Emergency relief supplies
• Food, fuel, water, and medical materials
• Infrastructure restoration equipment
• Utility repair and restoration services
• Other goods essential to protecting life, property, and critical services

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📌 What the Waiver Includes

1. Registration & Licensing Relief

Carriers participating in emergency relief operations receive a temporary waiver of certain registration and licensing requirements.

2. Weight & Width Exemptions

To accelerate transport of heavy and oversized equipment, Virginia is easing some size and weight restrictions on VDOT‑controlled roads, including:

• 3‑axle trucks: Up to 60,000 lbs allowed
• Additional allowances for vehicles supporting utility and relief missions

Important: These weight exemptions do not apply to posted bridges or structures.

3. Hours-of-Service Flexibility

The order activates FMCSA Section 390.23, which provides relief from federal hours‑of‑service regulations during emergencies. This allows drivers supporting storm response to operate with expanded flexibility, coordinated through the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM).

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Limitations to Be Aware Of

Even with the emergency flexibility, certain restrictions remain in place to protect public safety and infrastructure:

• No weight exemptions on interstate highways unless a separate federal emergency declaration is issued.
• Posted bridges and structures remain restricted regardless of this waiver.
• Exemptions only apply while carriers are engaged in direct emergency assistance—once normal operations resume, so do standard regulations.

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Supporting Virginia’s Winter Storm Response

Emergency transportation waivers like this one play a critical role in ensuring that help arrives where it’s needed most—especially when hazardous weather threatens essential infrastructure and community services. By temporarily suspending certain administrative and operational barriers, Virginia is equipping disaster-response teams and partner organizations with the flexibility needed to act quickly and efficiently.

As winter weather unfolds, carriers participating in relief efforts should stay informed of any updates from the Virginia DMV, VDEM, and state officials regarding travel conditions, safety requirements, and changes to emergency declarations.