The states included are Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, and New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The purpose of the rule suspension declaration is to provide immediate  direct assistance to the companies helping in the emergency relief efforts.  The rule suspension only applies while drivers are under dispatch.  Once cargo has been dropped at its destination, regular rules apply.  The waiver of the Hours of Service rule lasts until Midnight November 13, 2012.

"The emergency exemption is issued as a result of extreme weather conditions, shortages, and interruptions in the availability and/or delivery and repair of services and property throughout the States affected in the Eastern Region to include the following: Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and West Virginia. It is effective beginning October 29, 2012.  For more information visit, the FMCSA website.

Source:  Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration