SEASONAL WEIGHT RESTRICTIONS:
EMERGENCY SEPTIC WASTE WORK
House Bill 4734 as introduced
Sponsor: Rep. Ken Goike
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
Complete to 3-21-16
SUMMARY:
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to add septage waste vehicles performing emergency septic work to the vehicles granted an exception to seasonal vehicle weight limits. Exempt vehicles currently include those transporting agricultural commodities and propane fuel, and public utility vehicles.
The Vehicle Code establishes various vehicle weight limits (e.g., maximum axle loads, maximum wheel loads, and gross vehicle weights) for vehicles driven on Michigan roads. Under Section 722 of the Code ─ sometimes referred to as Michigan's "frost law" ─ maximum allowable axle loads and wheel loads are reduced as specified during the months of March, April, and May, when the spring freeze-and-thaw cycle makes roads more susceptible to damage from heavy vehicles. For example, axle loads are reduced by 25 percent on concrete paved roads (or those with concrete bases) and 35 percent for all other types of roads. (The Department of Transportation and local road commissions are authorized to modify the specified period or suspend seasonal restrictions for roads under their jurisdiction and must post information about when and where seasonal restrictions are in effect on their websites.)
House Bill 4734 would amend Section 722 of the code (MCL 257.722) to say that the seasonal reductions to the loading maximums and gross vehicle weight requirements would not apply to a septage waste vehicle operated by an individual with a valid septage waste vehicle license performing emergency septic work if the following conditions are met:
· The individual, if required by the county road commission, would need to notify the county road commission as soon as practical of the location of the emergency septic work and provide a statement that the vehicles that were used to perform the emergency septic work may have exceeded the loading maximums and gross vehicle weight requirements of the Act. The required notification could be made electronically or by facsimile.
· The septage waste vehicle travels to and from the site of the emergency septic work while on a restricted road at a speed not greater than 35 miles per hour.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would have no apparent direct fiscal impact on state or local government.
Fiscal Analyst: William E. Hamilton
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.