VEHICLE HAULING FERROUS PIPE; WIDTH S.B. 940 (S-1):
ANALYSIS AS PASSED BY THE SENATE
Senate Bill 940 (Substitute S-1 as passed by the Senate) (enrolled version)
RATIONALE
The Michigan Vehicle Code prescribes, among other things, the maximum sizes, weights, and loads of motor vehicles traveling on roads in this State. The Code allows exceptions to the load limits for certain materials used in agriculture and construction. Some have expressed concern that the exceptions do not apply to ferrous pipe, which is commonly used in construction. Accordingly, it has been suggested that the Code's load limit exception should be extended to ferrous pipe.
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to increase the load width limit for a vehicle hauling ferrous pipe.
The Code specifies that the total outside width of a vehicle or a load on a vehicle must not exceed 96 inches, unless otherwise provided. An exception to this provision is that the total outside width of a vehicle hauling concrete pipe, agricultural products, or unprocessed logs, pulpwood, or wood bolts must not exceed 108 inches. The bill would extend the 108-inch load width limit to a vehicle hauling ferrous pipes.
A person who violates the vehicle width limits is responsible for a civil infraction.
ARGUMENTS
(Please note: The arguments contained in this analysis originate from sources outside the Senate Fiscal Agency. The Senate Fiscal Agency neither supports nor opposes legislation.)
Supporting Argument
The bill would allow ferrous pipe, which includes steel pipe, to be transported in the same manner as large concrete pipe, putting both sets of products on the same footing. The bill also would benefit a new raw water pipeline being constructed by the Karegnondi Water Authority, which was recently formed by Sanilac County, Lapeer County, Genesee County, and the Cities of Lapeer and Flint. The bill would allow transportation of pipe materials needed for the project.
Legislative Analyst: Jeff Mann
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: Glenn Steffens
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.