Nebraska Executive Order 26-25: Emergency Relief Due to Motor Fuel Supply Shortages
Governor Jim Pillen declared an emergency over motor fuel supply shortages across Nebraska, citing high fuel demand in the Midwest that has forced haulers to drive farther and make extra trips. The order temporarily waives federal Hours-of-Service limits for drivers hauling gasoline, ethanol blends, or diesel fuel, and lets those vehicles run up to 10 percent over Nebraska gross and axle weight limits (with no single axle over 20,000 pounds) without a permit. It covers non-Interstate highways and runs through 11:59 PM on November 18, 2026. Drivers must carry a copy of the proclamation, and carriers may not let ill or fatigued drivers drive: a driver who asks for rest must get at least ten consecutive hours off duty.
| State | Nebraska |
|---|---|
| Type | Executive order |
| Number | 26-25 |
| Dated | October 19, 2026 |
| Official source | Official text |
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Full text
The complete text of 26-25 (Nebraska), reproduced from the official source. Government edicts are in the public domain.
STATE OF NEBRASKA
OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR
LINCOLN
EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26-25
Emergency Relief Due to Motor Fuel Supply Shortages
WHEREAS, because of the high demand for motor fuels throughout the Midwest, the people of the State of Nebraska are faced with timely access to fuel products; and
WHEREAS, commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers are engaged in the business of transporting fuels to meet this unexpected demand; and
WHEREAS, commercial motor vehicles and motor carriers must drive further distances or make additional trips during their workday in order to meet immediate needs.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jim Pillen, Governor of the State of Nebraska, pursuant to the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and the emergency management laws of the State of Nebraska, find these conditions constitute an emergency, and meet the purpose pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 of facilitating a waiver to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically 49 CFR part 395.3, maximum drive time for property-carrying vehicles.
Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby order the following:
1. A temporary waiver of Hours-of-Service requirements under 49 CFR part 395.3, property-carrying vehicles, for the limited purpose of hauling gasoline, ethanol blends of gasoline, or diesel fuel.
2. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this emergency declaration shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies a motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given at least ten (10) consecutive hours off duty before the driver is required to return to service.
3. Motor carriers or drivers currently subject to an out-of-service order are not eligible for the relief granted by this Executive Order until they have met the applicable conditions for its rescission and the order has been rescinded in writing by FMCSA.
4. Any motor vehicle, semitrailer, or trailer hauling gasoline, ethanol blends of gasoline, or diesel fuel may be up to 10% over gross and axle group limits as required by section 60-6,294 without a permit for the duration of this proclamation. No single axle shall exceed the maximum axle weight limit of 20,000 pounds, and vehicles must comply with posted limits on bridges.
5. This proclamation applies to loads transported on all highways within Nebraska, excluding the Interstate system.
6. Drivers operating under this proclamation shall carry a copy of the proclamation with them as evidence of their direct support to the State of Nebraska during this emergency period.
7. This emergency relief is effective immediately and shall remain in effect until 11:59 PM, November 18, 2026.
IN WITNESS THEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Great Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed on this 19th day of October, 2026.
Jim Pillen, Governor State of Nebraska
Attest: Robert Evnen, Secretary of State State of Nebraska
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Frequently asked questions
What does Nebraska Executive Order 26-25: Emergency Relief Due to Motor Fuel Supply Shortages do?
Governor Jim Pillen declared an emergency over motor fuel supply shortages across Nebraska, citing high fuel demand in the Midwest that has forced haulers to drive farther and make extra trips. The order temporarily waives federal Hours-of-Service limits for drivers hauling gasoline, ethanol blends, or diesel fuel, and lets those vehicles run up to 10 percent over Nebraska gross and axle weight limits (with no single axle over 20,000 pounds) without a permit. It covers non-Interstate highways and runs through 11:59 PM on November 18, 2026. Drivers must carry a copy of the proclamation, and carriers may not let ill or fatigued drivers drive: a driver who asks for rest must get at least ten consecutive hours off duty. The full text is reproduced below so you can read exactly what it says.
When was EO 26-25 issued, and when does it expire?
It was issued October 19, 2026, took effect immediately, and remains in effect until 11:59 PM on November 18, 2026.
Where can I read the official text?
The official source is linked on this page (https://governor.nebraska.gov/gov-pillen-issues-executive-order-meet-fuel-supply-demands). The full text is also reproduced below for easy reading and searching.
Is there an audio version?
Not yet. Audio narration is being produced and will appear on this page soon.
Does this relief apply on Interstate highways?
No. The order applies to loads on all highways within Nebraska except the Interstate system.
What are the safety limits in the order?
Carriers cannot require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to drive, and a driver who asks for rest must get at least ten consecutive hours off duty. Vehicles already under an out-of-service order do not get this relief. No single axle may exceed 20,000 pounds, and posted bridge limits still apply.