Governor Abbott Suspends Trucking Regulations To Aid In Hurricane Irma Relief
TO ALL TO WHOM THESE PRESENTS SHALL COME:
WHEREAS, Hurricane Irma made landfall on September 10, 2017, in the state of Florida and subsequently moved through much of the southeastern United States, causing catastrophic damage; and
WHEREAS, the President of the United States and the governors of the states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia have issued emergency or disaster declarations as a result of Hurricane Irma; and
WHEREAS, strict compliance with various motor carrier registration requirements would prevent, hinder, or delay necessary action in assisting those states affected by Hurricane Irma;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, GREG ABBOTT, Governor of the State of Texas, in accordance with the authority vested in me by Section 418.016 of the Texas Government Code, do hereby suspend the following requirements for commercial vehicles traveling in or through the state of Texas to provide disaster assistance to those states directly affected by Hurricane Irma:
International Registration Plan (IRP) vehicle registration requirements under Section 502.091 of the Texas Transportation Code and Title 43, Section 217.56 of the Texas Administrative Code to the extent the vehicle is not already registered under IRP, as long as the vehicle is registered in one of the 48 contiguous states of the United States; and
72-/144-hour temporary registration permit requirements under Section 502.094 of the Texas Transportation Code and Title 43, Section 217.40(b)(3) of the Texas Administrative Code, as long as the vehicle is registered in one of the states of the United States.
This suspension is in effect until October 18, 2017, or until terminated by the Office of the Governor.
The executive director of the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles or her designee is directed to impose all necessary and proper conditions and restrictions regarding this suspension and shall notify the Texas Department of Public Safety and the motor carrier industry of this suspension.
In accordance with the statutory requirements, copies of this proclamation shall be filed with the applicable authorities.
IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, I have hereunto signed my name and have officially caused the Seal of State to be affixed at my office in the City of Austin, Texas, this the 19th day of September, 2017.
GREG ABBOTT
Governor