South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has signed an Executive Order (2021-10) granting extended hours of service for the commercial delivery of petroleum products across the state.
The order declares a state of emergency and exempts delivery of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel and ethyl alcohol from federal motor carrier regulations on drivers’ hours of service.
Noem says South Dakota is at the height of tourism season, as well as a busy time for the agriculture industry, so maintaining the supply of fuel is crucial to preventing a disruption of service to two of the state’s major industries. Residents and businesses in the western part of the state are faced with an unexpected shortage of supply and, she says, this 30-day order is meant to ensure a steady supply of fuel is available to visitors, businesses, farmers and ranchers. She says this is a regional emergency that requires swift action.
Although hours of service have been temporarily suspended for commercial deliveries, companies may not require or allow fatigued drivers to make deliveries.
The executive order was signed Saturday (July 17, 2021) and expires at midnight on August 16, 2021. All other road safety and vehicle compliance regulations still apply.
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