MODIFIED AGRICULTURE VEHICLE S.B. 516 (S-2): FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 516 (Substitute S-2 as reported by the Committee of the Whole)
Sponsor: Senator John Proos
Committee: Transportation

CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:

-- Include a modified agriculture vehicle in provisions related to reflective devices and vehicle registration taxes.
-- Set a maximum speed of 45 miles per hour for the operation of a modified agriculture vehicle.
-- Allow a vehicle carrying a load that was not less than 100% agricultural commodities or raw timber to exceed prescribed axle weight limits by 10%.

"Modified agriculture vehicle" would mean a vehicle that has been modified from its original use so that the transport of agricultural commodities is its primary purpose; and that has been certified by the United States Department of Transportation and the Environmental Protection Agency for road use before being modified.


The Code prescribes maximum axle loads and gross vehicle weights for different types of vehicles. Under the bill, a vehicle carrying a load that was not less than 100% agricultural commodities or raw timber from the place of harvest to the first point of delivery would be considered to be in compliance with the maximum weight requirements if its axle weights were not more than 10% greater than the maximum weights otherwise permitted. A vehicle that was not in compliance with the maximum weight requirements, however, would be considered to be in violation for the full weight without consideration of the 10% compliance allowance. The 10% allowance would not apply to a vehicle using an interstate highway, or a vehicle using a road that was subject to seasonal weight restrictions while they were in effect.


MCL 257.627 et al. Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill could potentially have a positive fiscal impact on the State in the form of additional license plate revenue. Any additional revenue would be deposited into the Michigan Transportation Fund. The amount of additional revenue is indeterminate and dependent on the number of vehicles affected by the bill.


Date Completed: 11-14-11 Fiscal Analyst: Joe Carrasco

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. sb516/1112