Caltrans is allowing food trucks to temporarily operate in state rest areas during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency.

A Federal Highway Administration rule change and an Executive Order by Governor Gavin Newsome will allow the food trucks to operate to provide access to food for truckers and motorists. The goal is to increase the number of convenient food options available to truck drivers during the emergency. Food truck operators can apply for a temporary encroachment easement permit to operate at one or more of the states 86 rest areas. Operators will need to specify the rest areas at which they wish to operate. In Imperial County the San Hills Rest Area near Winterhaven and the Sunbeam Rest Area near Seeley are operating.