ALLOW A TRUCK TRACTOR TO PULL

BOTH A LOG SLASHER UNIT AND SAW UNIT

House Bill 4224

Sponsor:  Rep. Kate Ebli

Committee:  Transportation

Complete to 3-4-09

A SUMMARY OF HOUSE BILL 4224 AS INTRODUCED 2-10-09

The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to permit a truck tractor to tow a log slasher and a log saw unit if the length of the units did not exceed certain limits, and if the coupling devices met the requirements of the Motor Carrier Safety Act.

The Vehicle Code contains length limits for specified vehicles and combinations of vehicles operating on a designated state highway.  The code prohibits a truck tractor from pulling a combination of two semitrailers, unless each semitrailer uses a fifth wheel connecting assembly. The bill would make an exception to this for certain logging equipment.

The bill would permit the operation of a truck tractor with a log slasher unit and a log saw unit with no overall length limit if the length of each unit did not exceed 28 1/2 feet, or if the overall length of the slasher unit and the saw unit, as measured from the front of the first towed unit to the rear of the second towed unit while the units were coupled together, did not exceed 58 feet. The coupling devices of the truck tractor and units would have to meet the requirements established under the Motor Carrier Safety Act.

MCL 257.719

FISCAL IMPACT:

A fiscal analysis is in process.

                                                                                           Legislative Analyst:   Chris Couch

                                                                                                  Fiscal Analyst:   William E. Hamilton

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.