Pennsylvania Under Proclamation of Disaster Emergency

January 25, 2026

On Friday, Governor Josh Shapiro signed a Proclamation of Disaster Emergency, making resources available to prepare for and support response efforts for the weekend winter storm. The Governor’s disaster declaration allows the Commonwealth to draw funding and provide state agencies with the resources needed to assist counties and municipalities with winter storm response efforts.

 

Interstate Travel Restrictions

Tier 4 restrictions went into effect on all interstates and the Pennsylvania Turnpike, effective at 12:00 AM on Sunday, January 25. A Tier 4 restriction prevents all commercial motor vehicles (CMV) from traveling on an interstate, with a few exemptions for emergency response activity.

The Tier 4 restrictions were then lifted in a staggered capacity over 24 hours. As of 7:00 AM on Monday, January 26, most interstates have no restriction or are defined as Tier 1. Any changes to CMV travel restrictions are announced in real-time on 511PA.

PPA members should note that liquid fuel delivery vehicles (heating oil, gasoline, diesel, propane, etc) are exempt from CMV travel bans when making emergency deliveries. This would include individuals, critical infrastructure nodes, businesses, emergency services, or public works agencies without fuel or dangerously low on fuel, which could result in a life safety issue or inability to sustain response operations if not accomplished. For this framework, “dangerously low on fuel” is defined as 36 hours or less of remaining fuel supply.

Reference the following links for more information:
Hours of Service Waivers 
All Fuels (New Waiver) 
On January 23, FMCSA issued a Regional Declaration of Emergency for 40 states (including Pennsylvania) that waives Hours of Service requirements for “all essential goods and services.” The waiver includes all fuels (gasoline, kerosene, diesel, jet fuel, diesel additives, heating fuels and oils, propane) and is in effect until February 6.
Download FMCSA All Fuels Waiver
Heating Fuels (Existing Waiver) 

On January 15, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) extended a Regional Declaration of Emergency covering interstate transportation of heating fuels (heating oil, propane, and natural gas) through February 15, 2026. The regional waiver includes Pennsylvania and the surrounding states.
Download FMCSA Heating Fuels Waiver
Intrastate Travel 

Pennsylvania incorporates the provisions of 49 CFR Parts 382, 385, 387 and 390—396, by reference for Interstate Motor Carrier operations in PA Title 67, Chapter 229, (§ 229.14. Adoption of portions of 49 CFR by reference) and Intrastate Motor Carrier operation in Title 67, Chapter 231 (§ 231.7. Adoption of portions of 49 CFR by reference). Because Pennsylvania adopts 49 CFR § 395.3 by reference, the FMCSA waiver applies to both interstate and intrastate motor carrier activity defined within the scope.The PPA recommends drivers keep a copy of FMCSA waivers in their truck or generate an electronic copy if requested.
Please contact Ted Harris if you have questions regarding travel restrictions or fuel waivers