MAXIMUM VEHICLE WIDTH:  

EXCEPTION FOR VEHICLES HAULING FERROUS PIPE

Senate Bill 940 (Substitute S-1)                                            (Enacted as Public Act 391 of 2014)

Sponsor:  Sen. Jim Ananich

House Committee:  Transportation and Infrastructure

Senate Committee:  Infrastructure Modernization

Complete to 12-1-14

A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 940 (S-1) AS PASSED BY THE SENATE 10-1-14

Senate Bill 940 (S-1) would amend Section 717 of the Michigan Vehicle Code (PA 300 of 1949), a section that governs the maximum width of vehicles, to add vehicles hauling "ferrous pipe" to those allowed to operate with a total outside load up to 108 inches. 

Subsection (1) of Section 717 of the Vehicle Code provides a general standard for the maximum width of vehicles operating on Michigan highways, limiting the total outside width of a vehicle and/or load to 96 inches, "except as otherwise provided in this section."

Other subsections within Section 717 provide a number of exceptions to the 96-inch standard.  Specifically, Subsection (3), currently establishes a maximum outside width of 108 inches for the load of a vehicle hauling concrete pipe, agricultural products, unprocessed logs, pulpwood, or wood bolts.  As noted, Senate Bill 940 (S-1) would add vehicles hauling ferrous pipe to the list of exceptions.  We believe this standard would apply to all public roads in the state.

FISCAL IMPACT:

The bill does not appear to have a direct fiscal impact. 

Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton

■ 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.