LOWBOY SEMITRAILER: DESIGNATED HWY S.B. 582 (S-2):
FLOOR SUMMARY
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Senate Bill 582 (Substitute S-2 as reported)
Sponsor: Senator Tom Casperson
Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to allow a truck tractor and lowboy semitrailer combination of any length to operate on a designated highway, subject to certain conditions.
The Code prescribes maximum lengths for different types of vehicles operating on designated highways (highways approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) or a local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction).
The bill provides that, for a truck tractor and lowboy semitrailer combination on a designated highway, there would be no maximum length, if the lowboy semitrailer did not exceed 59 feet, except as otherwise permitted. A lowboy semitrailer wheelbase could not exceed 55 feet as measured from the kingpin coupling to the center of the rear axle. A lowboy semitrailer longer than 59 feet could not operate with more than any combination of four axles unless an oversized load permit were issued by MDOT or a local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction.
"Lowboy semitrailer" would mean a flatbed semitrailer with a depressed section that has the specific purpose of being lowered and raised for loading and unloading.
MCL 257.719 Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
To the extent that the bill resulted in certain truck tractor and lowboy semitrailer combinations traveling on roads that are not designated as "all season roads", there would be an indeterminate impact related to damage to State and local roads.
Date Completed: 10-19-11 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. sb582/1112