SCHOOL BUS: MAX WIDTH; SEASONAL LOAD S.B. 915:
SUMMARY OF INTRODUCED BILL
IN COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 915 (as introduced 3-21-18)
Sponsor: Senator Tom Casperson
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify that the maximum total outside body width of a school bus could not exceed 102 inches, excluding an appurtenance that extended up to six inches beyond the total outside body width; and exempt school buses from seasonal load restrictions.
Under the Code, the total outside body width of a bus, trailer coach, trailer, semitrailer, truck camper, or motor home cannot exceed 102 inches. However, an appurtenance of a trailer coach, truck camper, or motor home that extends not more than six inches beyond the total outside body width is not considered a violation. (A person who violates these provisions is responsible for a civil infraction.) The bill would include a school bus in these provisions.
The Code prescribes maximum axle loads and weight restrictions for certain vehicles. Except as otherwise provided, during the months of March, April, and May in each year, the maximum axle load allowable on concrete pavements or pavements with a concrete base is reduced by 25% from the maximum axle load, and the maximum axle load allowable on all other types of roads during these months is reduced by 35% from the maximum axle loads specified. The maximum wheel load must not exceed 525 pounds per inch of tire width on concrete and concrete base or 450 pounds per inch of tire width on all other roads during the period the seasonal road restrictions are in effect.
These seasonal road restrictions do not apply to vehicles transporting agricultural commodities or public utility vehicles on a highway, road, or street under the jurisdiction of a local road agency. The bill also would exempt a school bus from the seasonal road restrictions.
The bill would take effect 90 days after it was enacted.
MCL 257.717 & 257.722 Legislative Analyst: Drew Krogulecki
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on the State and could have a minimal negative fiscal impact on local government. The bill could reduce the number of civil infractions for violations of the body width and seasonal load restrictions, although there is no way to know if that would be the case. A reduction in civil infraction revenue would reduce revenue dedicated to public libraries.
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.