SB 194

Current law generally prohibits any person from operating a vehicle on a

highway while towing two or more vehicles unless an exception applies or the

operator holds an appropriate permit issued by the Department of Transportation

(DOT). DOT may issue annual or consecutive month permits for certain

three-vehicle combinations that consist of the following vehicles:

1. A towing vehicle.

2. A recreational vehicle or camping trailer.

3. A trailer for a personal recreational vehicle.

Under current law, the overall length of the combination of vehicles may not

exceed 60 feet or, if the middle vehicle in the three-vehicle combination is equipped

with brakes, 65 feet. Unless it is not structurally possible, the lighter of the towed

vehicles must occupy the last position in the three-vehicle combination. The towed

vehicles must be for the use of the operator of the towing vehicle. A three-vehicle

combination may not be operated if specified highway or weather conditions are

present.

This bill modifies the requirements for operation of these three-vehicle

combinations and allows their operation without a permit. The bill allows a person

to operate, without a permit, a three-vehicle combination consisting of the following:

1. A towing vehicle.

2. A recreational vehicle or camping trailer.

3. Another recreational vehicle or camping trailer, or a trailer carrying any

vehicle for recreational use or carrying no load. A "vehicle for recreational use" is

defined to include a bicycle, moped, motor bicycle, motorcycle, all-terrain vehicle,

snowmobile, boat, sailboard, personal watercraft, or electric personal assistive

mobility device, but does not include an automobile, motor truck, motor home, play

vehicle, or in-line skates.

Under the bill, the heavier of the towed vehicles must occupy the middle

position of the three-vehicle combination unless it is not structurally possible. The

overall length of the combination of vehicles may not exceed 65 feet and, if the total

loaded weight of all towed vehicles exceeds 3,000 pounds, one of the towed vehicles

must be equipped with brakes. The bill does not modify current law restrictions on

the operation of three-vehicle combinations under specified highway or weather

conditions.