TRUCK WEIGHT LIMITS - H.B. 5337 (H-2): FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 5337 (Substitute H-2 as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Judson Gilbert
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation and Tourism
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:
-- Revise the weight restrictions on designated highways for a combination of truck tractor and semitrailer.
-- Create a separate weight restriction for combinations hauling agricultural products between the National Truck Network or designated highways and other highways, until 2007.
-- Delete the April 1, 2002, sunset date on provisions that exempt agricultural commodity haulers from seasonal weight restrictions on State and county roads.
-- Extend the exemption from seasonal weight restrictions to public utility vehicles.
The bill provides that, notwithstanding the gross weight limitation, on a combination of truck tractor and semitrailer having up to five axles, two consecutive sets of tandem axles could carry a gross permissible weight of up to 17,000 pounds on any axle of the tandem axles if there were no other axle within nine feet of any axle of the tandem axles, and if the first and last axles of the consecutive sets of tandem axles were at least 36 feet apart, and the gross vehicle weight did not exceed 80,000 pounds, to pick up and deliver agricultural commodities between the National Truck Network or special designated highways and any other highway. This provision would not apply when seasonal weight restrictions were in effect. In addition, this provision would not apply after December 31, 2006.
The Code requires a reduction in maximum axle loads during March, April, and May, but exempts agricultural product haulers from this requirement until April 1, 2002. The bill also would exempt public utility vehicles and delete the expiration date. Currently, agricultural product haulers are exempted from the seasonal weight restrictions only if they notify the county road commission at least 48 hours before the pick-up or delivery. The county road commission must issue a permit specifying the designated route of travel for the load, the date and time period for the pick-up or delivery, a maximum speed of travel, and any other specific conditions. The bill would include public utility vehicles in these provisions.
MCL 257.722 - Legislative Analyst: Nobuko Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government, although allowing heavier trucks could add to the maintenance costs of roads and bridges. The extent of these additional costs, if any, is indeterminate.
Date Completed: 2-21-02 - Fiscal Analyst: Craig Thiel
floor\hb5337 (H-2) - Analysis available @ http://www.michiganlegislature.org
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.