Regulatory Alert: Essential Fuel Delivery Exemptions During CMV Travel Restrictions
The first statewide snow event of the 2025-2026 winter hit the Commonwealth last week, which prompted CMV travel restrictions. Most companies are familiar with the 5-tier structure that is issued by PennDOT, PA Emergency Management Administration (PEMA), PA State Police, and the PA Turnpike Commission during the winter months.
In 2019, the PPA worked with the state to ensure an essential fuel delivery could still occur with an active CMV travel restriction in place. The following exemption is defined within the framework for this activity:
- Liquid fuels delivery vehicles (propane, fuel oil, gasoline, etc.) making emergency deliveries to 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 the purposes of this framework “dangerously low” is defined as 36 hours or less of remaining fuel supply
CLICK HERE to view the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Inclement Winter Weather Travel Restriction and Ban Framework. The specific verbiage regarding an exemption for dangerously low on fuel can be found on page 14.
The PPA recommends that members have their drivers have a copy of this framework to reference the exemption if necessary. It is also recommended that the driver is able to present paper/electronic documentation to provide proof of the emergency delivery if operating under the exemption during an active travel restriction.
The framework also has verbiage (page 14/15) that outlines certain circumstances where a local exemption can be granted for operators that have an extenuating need to transit short sections of limited-access highway that is under travel restriction or ban. The following exemptions may be considered and granted by PennDOT or other applicable state agencies with statutory authority when travel restrictions and/or bans extend greater than 24 hours:
- Bulk liquid fuels delivery to support critical infrastructure and back-up power operations.
- Hospital and healthcare supplies (including medical gases) to resupply medical facilities.
- Transport of other critical commodities, as needed, to support life safety and sustainment operations.
Any approved exemptions will be communicated to affected stakeholders and will be distributed via the same channels utilized by state agencies as part of the coordinated messaging plan.
If your company is ever in need of making a local exemption request to PennDOT, please contact Ted Harris (PPA Executive Vice President) at tharris@papetroleum.org.
The PPA encourages members to use 511PA to stay updated on the latest weather information and road conditions/restrictions.
If you have questions about the CMV Travel Restrictions or the potential exemptions, please contact Ted Harris at tharris@papetroleum.org.
