FMCSA MVR Requirements Unchanged; Emergency Relief Now 30 Days

FMCSA has stretched the automatic relief that follows a regional emergency declaration from 14 days to 30. The final rule is effective October 5, 2026. If you came looking for fmcsa mvr requirements, this rule doesn't touch them. The only regulatory text change is in 49 CFR 390.23(b), where "14" becomes "30." The declaration can come from a state Governor, the Governor's authorized representative, or FMCSA. The Federal Register describes the exemption as limited. It covers only commercial motor vehicles giving direct assistance in a declared emergency, and only the hours-of-service rules in 49 CFR 395.3 and 395.5. FMCSA says it can still extend emergency exemptions past 30 days under 49 CFR 390.25. Petitions for reconsideration are due to the FMCSA Administrator by November 4, 2026.