[ST. PAUL, MN] – Governor Tim Walz today signed Emergency Executive Order 21-09 granting a temporary exemption from the hours of service requirements in state law for drivers of commercial vehicles hauling propane and other fuels.

Minnesota and the Midwest have faced dangerously cold weather in recent days. Those conditions have prompted an increased demand of propane while also complicating the delivery of fuel. These circumstances have caused a low supply of propane in the state. In addition, transportation continues to be impacted by driver shortages due to COVID-19, and relief is needed to allow available drivers to travel farther distances to alternate terminals to obtain product.

The Emergency Executive Order provides relief from certain hours of service requirements, which will allow carriers who are providing direct assistance to the emergency to travel further distances to acquire propane and other fuels and return it to areas where it is needed. Waiving the hours of service requirements ensures that carriers and drivers can deliver propane to Minnesotans who require the fuel, protecting the lives and well-being of those in need.

The Emergency Executive Order goes into effect today and remains in effect for 15 days, or until the direct assistance has ended, whichever occurs first. All other safety requirements pertaining to the driver and vehicle still apply.