Gov. Abbott to expedite resource deliveries, waives certain Texas trucking regulations

Texas Governor Greg Abbott has announced that he will be waiving certain regulations for commercial trucking in Texas in order to expedite vehicle delivery of more supplies amid the COVID-19, coronavirus outbreak.  

The waivers come a day after Governor Abbott declared a state of disaster for Texas. By suspending the regulations, more supplies can be delivered in each truckload as the state works to mitigate the impact of coronavirus. 

 "As the State of Texas works to mitigate the impact of the coronavirus, we are taking precautionary measures to ensure that Texans have access to the goods and supplies they need," said Governor Abbott. 

According to a press release from the Governor's office, the waivers were requested by and will be coordinated through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. 

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"Suspending these state trucking regulations will improve our ability to deliver the necessary supplies throughout the state so that grocers and retailers are able to continually stock their shelves. I want to remind Texans that stockpiling resources is neither necessary nor productive. The State of Texas is prepared and will continue to take action to support our communities," Governor Abbott said. 

These are the three sets of statutes that were suspended, subject to federal law and DMV safety limitations:

  • The oversize and overweight permitting requirements under Transportation Code, Chapters 621 through 623, as well as Title 43, Chapter 219 of the Texas Administrative Code, for all divisible and non-divisible vehicles and loads.
  • The International Registration Plan (IRP) vehicle registration under Transportation Code § 502.091 and 43 Tex. Admin. Code § 217.56, as long as the vehicle is registered in one of the 48 contiguous states of the United States.
  • The 72-hour and 144-hour temporary registration permits under Transportation Code § 502.094 and 43 Tex. Admin. Code § 217.40(b)(3), as long as the vehicle is registered in one of the states of the United States.

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