PUCO Suspends Hours-of-Service Restrictions on Motor Fuel Carriers amid COVID-19

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO), which has regulatory authority over truckers and other commercial carriers, has suspended “hours-of-service” restrictions on the movement of motor vehicle fuel in the state during Ohio’s COVID-19 state of emergency. The hours-of-service waiver expires at 11:59 p.m. Friday, March 27, 2020.

According to Hannah News Service, PUCO Transportation Director John Williams said the temporary move does not alter a motor carrier’s duty to monitor its drivers; maintain records of duty status; and ensure drivers are not ill, fatigued, impaired or otherwise unable to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely — in addition to other state and federal requirements. 3/19/2020