INCREASE SEMI-TRAILER AXLES
House Bill 5205
Sponsor: Rep. Judson Gilbert
Committee: Transportation
Complete to 10-16-01
A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 5205 AS INTRODUCED 10-16-01
House Bill 5205 would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify the number of axles allowed on semi-trailers.
The vehicle code sets "normal length maximums" for a variety of vehicles and combinations of vehicles. Currently the law specifies no overall length limit for a truck tractor and semi-trailer combination, but the semi-trailer cannot exceed 53 feet. In addition, the law specifies that all semi-trailers longer than 50 feet must have a wheelbase of 40.5 feet, plus or minus six inches, as measured from the kingpin coupling to the center of the rear axle or the center of the tandem axle assembly "if equipped with two axles." House Bill 5205 would amend this provision to instead specify "if equipped with more than one axle." Further, currently under the law a semi-trailer with a length longer than 50 feet is prohibited from operating with more than two axles on the semi-trailer. Instead, the bill would prohibit operation with more than three axles.
MCL 257.719
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This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.