HWY SIZE/WEIGHT LIMIT TOWING DISTANCE S.B. 702:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 702 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Senator Tom Casperson
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to delete the maximum towing distance of 25 miles or less, or 50 miles or less for each trip that begins and ends north of a line between Ludington and Pinconning, allowed under a special permit issued by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) for a wrecker towing a combination of disabled vehicles.
The Code provides that it is a misdemeanor for an individual to drive, move, cause to move, or permit the operation of a vehicle or vehicles of a size or weight exceeding the limitations stated in the Code on a highway, unless a violation is specified to be a civil infraction. However, the Code allows for certain vehicles and vehicle combinations of weights greater than the limitations stated in the Code to operate on a highway if certain conditions are met. The Code includes conditional exemptions for the operation of a wrecker and a disabled vehicle or a wrecker and a combination of a disabled vehicle and one trailer on a highway.
The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
MCL 257.716 Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could have a positive fiscal impact on State and local government if fewer wrecker operators were charged with violations of the Code due to the removal of the distance restrictions. A violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $100 and imprisonment for up to 90 days. A decrease in misdemeanor arrests and convictions could lower resource demands on local court systems, law enforcement, and jails. Any associated decrease in fine revenue would reduce revenue to public libraries.
Date Completed: 3-18-16 Fiscal Analyst: Ryan Bergan
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.