IMPLEMENT OF HUSBANDRY/MOPED S.B. 1121:
SUMMARY AS ENROLLED
Senate Bill 1121 (as enrolled)
Sponsor: Senator Bruce Caswell
Senate Committee: Transportation
House Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to do the following:
-- Revise the definition of "implement of husbandry".
-- Specify that the terms "trailer" and "semi-trailer" would not include an implement of husbandry.
-- Eliminate a provision prohibiting the use of a moped to carry more than one person at a time.
Implement of Husbandry
Currently, "implement of husbandry" means a vehicle that is a farm tractor, a vehicle designed to be drawn by a farm tractor or an animal, a vehicle that harvests farm products directly, or a vehicle that applies fertilizer, spray, or seeds directly to a farm field. The bill would delete this definition. Instead, the term would mean a vehicle or trailer in use for the exclusive function of serving agricultural, horticultural, or livestock operations. The term would include a farm tractor, self-propelled application-type vehicle, farm wagon, farm trailer, a vehicle or trailer adapted for lifting or carrying another implement of husbandry, or any substantially similar equipment used to transport products necessary for agricultural production.
The bill provides that the terms "trailer" and "semi-trailer" would not include any implement of husbandry. (Both of those terms mean a vehicle with or without motive power, other than a pole-trailer, designed for carrying people or property and for being drawn by a motor vehicle. A trailer is constructed so that none of its weight rests upon the towing vehicle. A semi-trailer is constructed so that some of its weight and that of its load rests upon or is carried by another vehicle.)
An implement of husbandry is exempt from the Code's vehicle registration and certificate of title provisions and size, weight, and load restrictions. In addition, an implement of husbandry may be operated on a highway in excess of the Code's maximum vehicle width without a special wide load permit. An implement of husbandry must comply with prescribed requirements regarding identification as a slow-moving vehicle, the lighting and marking of agricultural equipment on highways, and reflective devices.
Moped
Under the Code, a moped or an electric personal assistive mobility device may not be used to carry more than one person at a time. The bill would eliminate the reference to a moped.
Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
Vehicles classified as "implements of husbandry" are exempt from the Code's registration and certificate of title requirements. By redefining "implement of husbandry", the bill would extend the exemption to certain adapted trailers, semi-
trailers, and trailers. Currently, most trailers are subject to a one-time, permanent registration fee ranging from $75 to $300 depending on their weight. Under the bill, trailers that were considered an implement of husbandry would become exempt from the required registration fee. The result would be a loss in revenue for the Michigan Transportation Fund. The amount of lost revenue is indeterminate and would depend on the number of affected trailers.
Since 2003, the one-time fee has been paid for most trailers currently used as an implement of husbandry. The bill would apply only to newly purchased trailers that would be registered for the first time; thus, the potential revenue loss should not be substantial.
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.