SEMITRAILER: LENGTH LIMITS - H.B. 5205: COMMITTEE SUMMARY
House Bill 5205 (as passed by the House)
Sponsor: Representative Judson Gilbert
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation and Tourism
Date Completed: 2-5-02
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify that all semitrailers longer than 50 feet would have to have a wheelbase of 37.5 to 40.5 feet, instead of 40.5, plus or minus 0.5 foot; and increase from two to three axles, the maximum number allowed for operation on designated State highways.
The Code prescribes "normal length" maximums for a variety of vehicles and combinations of vehicles that may travel on certain designated State highways. There is no overall length limit for truck tractor and semitrailer combinations, but the semitrailer must not exceed 53 feet. All semitrailers longer than 50 feet must have a wheelbase of 40.5 feet, plus or minus 0.5 foot, measured from the kingpin coupling to the center of the tandem axle assembly equipped with two axles. The bill would require the wheelbase to be 37.5 feet to 40.5 feet, plus or minus 0.5 foot, measured from the kingpin coupling to the center of the rear axle or the center of the rear axle assembly.
Currently, a semitrailer longer than 50 feet must not operate with more than two axles on the semitrailer. The bill would prohibit operation with more than three axles.
MCL 257.719 - Legislative Analyst: Nobuko Nagata
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
- Fiscal Analyst: Bruce BakerS0102\s5205sa
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.