Kentucky Transportation Secretary Jim Gray announced over
the weekend that he has extended until June 1, 2020 an existing emergency order
that temporarily lifts regulatory restrictions on motor carriers delivering
goods and services critical to COVID-19 pandemic relief.
The order is in keeping with Gov. Andy Beshear’s declaration of an emergency as
part of a sweeping effort to protect Kentuckians and combat the spread of the
novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19. Secretary Gray’s original order, issued
on March 13, would have expired at midnight Sunday.
Secretary Gray’s emergency order will help to expedite the delivery of food,
water, fuel and other supplies to affected areas. It also applies to vehicles
engaged in response to the pandemic. The order temporarily relieves the drivers
from maximum driving times and weigh station stops.
In addition, the order authorizes the Transportation Cabinet’s Department of
Vehicle Regulation to waive permit fees for overweight/over-dimensional
vehicles. To ensure the safety of the traveling public, carriers must comply
with safety requirements and have a copy of the order in the truck cab if operating
under the authority of the official order.
