Senate Bill 422
The length of vehicles that may be operated on a highway and granting rule-making authority
Topics: Bus and truck: Taxation or registration, Metropolitan transportation, Road, Transportation, Department of: Vehicles
Became law
The governor signed it on Apr 6, 2012. It's .
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Introduced, passed
Feb 3, 2012
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Committee, passed
Approved
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Senate vote, passed
Passed Feb 21, 2012
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Assembly vote, passed
Passed 72 to 22
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Governor, passed
Signed
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Law, here now
2011 Wisconsin Act 243
Latest entry in the official record, Apr 10, 2012: “Published 4-19-2012”
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Terms on this page
Wisconsin Act
The number a bill gets when it becomes law, like 2025 Wisconsin Act 12.
Official term: Act. More in the glossary
Legislative Reference Bureau
The Legislature's nonpartisan office that drafts bills and writes the summary at the top of each one.
Official term: LRB analysis. More in the glossary
Author
A lawmaker who formally puts a bill forward. The text itself is drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
Official term: Author, coauthor. More in the glossary
Signed on in support
Lawmakers who back a bill without being one of its authors, often from the other chamber.
Official term: Cosponsor. More in the glossary
Cost estimate
A state agency's estimate of what a bill would cost or save.
Official term: Fiscal estimate. More in the glossary
Roll call
A vote where each lawmaker's yes or no is recorded by name.
Official term: Roll call vote. More in the glossary
What it does
Summary by the , the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.
Under current law, a person may not operate on a highway any combination of two vehicles (vehicle combination) with an overall length in excess of 65 feet unless a specific exception applies or the person has a permit to exceed these lengths.
This bill increases the generally applicable overall length limit for vehicle combinations from 65 feet to 70 feet. However, the Department of Transportation (DOT) may, by rule, establish exceptions to this general length limit with respect to specific types of vehicles or designated highways. Under the bill, motor bus-trailer combinations owned and operated by, and for the exclusive use of, nonprofit organizations are subject to the general length limit of 70 feet, an increase from their length limit of 58 feet under current law.
Read the full summary Show less
Under current law, there is an exception to the general length limit that allows for the operation of tractor-semitrailer combinations with an overall length not exceeding 75 feet on the state trunk highway system except those parts designated by DOT by rule as ineligible for this length limit or as long truck routes for which there is no length limit. In addition, there is an exception to the general single vehicle length limit that allows for the operation of a semitrailer as part of a vehicle combination if the semitrailer does not exceed 53 feet, its kingpin-to-axle length does not exceed 43 feet, and it is operated on the state trunk highway system except those parts designated by DOT by rule as ineligible for this length limit.
Under this bill, this 75 feet length limit exception for tractor-semitrailer combinations, and this 53 feet length limit exception for certain semitrailers, apply on all highways, not just state trunk highways, subject to the same exceptions for designated ineligible highways or long truck routes that apply under current law.
Under current law, the overall length limit for combinations of two or three vehicles operated or transported by the drive-away method in saddlemount combination is 65 feet. The term "saddlemount combination" is neither defined nor described by statute, but DOT defines it by rule as a combination of vehicles in which a truck or truck tractor tows one or more trucks or truck tractors, each connected by a saddle to the vehicle in front of it; the towed vehicles essentially piggyback the power unit or one another. Also under current law, DOT and local authorities may issue permits for combinations of two or three vehicles operated or transported by the drive-away method in saddlemount combination with an overall length not exceeding 65 feet.
This bill increases, from 65 feet to 75 feet, the length limit for combinations of two or three vehicles operated or transported by the drive-away method in saddlemount combination. In addition, the bill eliminates provisions of current law related to the issuance of permits for these vehicle combinations.
The bill also increases, from 65 feet to 66 feet, the vehicle length limit for articulated buses operated in urban areas.
Who's behind it
3 lawmakers are its . 2 are Republicans. 1 has no party on record.
2 more lawmakers .
See all 5 names Hide the names
Authors (3)
- Frank G. Lasee · Republican, Senate
- Mary Lazich · Republican, Senate
- by request of The Department of Transportation
Signed on in support (2)
- Garey Bies · Republican, Assembly
- Jerry Petrowski · Republican, Senate
What it would cost
State agencies filed a . Each opens as a PDF from the Legislature.
Versions and amendments
Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.
How lawmakers voted
There were 4 votes on this bill. Taking a bill up right away needs two-thirds of the members, a higher bar than passing it, so that vote can draw more yeses than the final one.
Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections vote to recommend it
Passed, 4 to 0 · Feb 16, 2012
No member-by-member record exists for this vote. Committee votes and some older sessions record totals only.
Official motion: “Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation and Elections, Ayes 4, Noes 0”. Official record · This vote on its own page
Assembly vote to take it up right away
Passed, 60 to 34 · Feb 21, 2012 · 5 didn't vote
See how each of the 99 representatives voted Hide the names
D: Democrat, I: Independent, R: Republican
Yes (60)
- Alvin Ott (R, 3)
- Amy Loudenbeck (R, 31)
- André Jacque (R, 1)
- Bill Kramer (R, 97)
- Bob Ziegelbauer (I, 25)
- Chad Weininger (R, 4)
- Chris Kapenga (R, 33)
- Dale Kooyenga (R, 5)
- Dan Knodl (R, 24)
- Dan Meyer (R, 34)
- Daniel LeMahieu (R, 59)
- David Craig (R, 28)
- Dean Kaufert (R, 53)
- Dean Knudson (R, 30)
- Don Pridemore (R, 22)
- Duey Stroebel (R, 20)
- Edward Brooks (R, 50)
- Erik Severson (R, 28)
- Evan Wynn (R, 43)
- Garey Bies (R, 1)
- Gary Tauchen (R, 6)
- Howard Marklein (R, 17)
- Jeff Fitzgerald (R, 39)
- Jeff Mursau (R, 36)
- Jeffrey Stone (R, 82)
- Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R, 52)
- Jerry Petrowski (R, 29)
- Jim Ott (R, 23)
- Jim Steineke (R, 5)
- Joan Ballweg (R, 14)
- Joe Knilans (R, 44)
- Joel Kleefisch (R, 38)
- John Klenke (R, 88)
- John Murtha (R, 29)
- John Nygren (R, 89)
- Karl Van Roy (R, 90)
- Kathleen Bernier (R, 23)
- Keith Ripp (R, 42)
- Kevin Petersen (R, 57)
- Lee Nerison (R, 96)
- Mark Honadel (R, 21)
- Mary Williams (R, 87)
- Michelle Litjens (R, 56)
- Mike Endsley (R, 26)
- Mike Kuglitsch (R, 84)
- Pat Strachota (R, 58)
- Paul F. Farrow (R, 33)
- Richard Spanbauer (R, 53)
- Robin Vos (R, 33)
- Roger Rivard (R, 75)
- Samantha Kerkman (R, 61)
- Scott Krug (R, 72)
- Scott Suder (R, 69)
- Steve Kestell (R, 27)
- Steve Nass (R, 11)
- Thomas Larson (R, 67)
- Thomas Tiffany (R, 12)
- Travis Tranel (R, 49)
- Tyler August (R, 31)
- Warren Petryk (R, 93)
No (34)
- Amy Sue Vruwink (D, 70)
- Andy Jorgensen (D, 43)
- Barbara Toles (D, 17)
- Brett Hulsey (D, 78)
- Chris Danou (D, 92)
- Chris Taylor (D, 76)
- Christine Sinicki (D, 20)
- Cory Mason (D, 66)
- Donna Seidel (D, 85)
- Fred Clark (D, 81)
- Frederick Kessler (D, 12)
- Gary Hebl (D, 46)
- Gordon Hintz (D, 54)
- Janet Bewley (D, 25)
- Janis Ringhand (D, 15)
- Jason Fields (D, 11)
- Jill Billings (D, 95)
- JoCasta Zamarripa (D, 8)
- Jon Richards (D, 19)
- Josh Zepnick (D, 9)
- Kelda Roys (D, 26)
- Leon Young (D, 16)
- Louis Molepske Jr. (D, 71)
- Margaret Krusick (D, 7)
- Mark Pocan (D, 78)
- Mark Radcliffe (D, 92)
- Penny Bernard Schaber (D, 57)
- Peter Barca (D, 64)
- Robert Turner (D, 61)
- Sandy Pasch (D, 10)
- Sondy Pope (D, 80)
- Steve Doyle (D, 94)
- Terese Berceau (D, 77)
- Tony Staskunas (D, 15)
Didn't vote (5)
- David Cullen (D, 13)
- Elizabeth Coggs (D, 10)
- John Steinbrink (D, 65)
- Nick Milroy (D, 73)
- Tamara Grigsby (D, 18)
Official motion: “Refused to suspend rules to read a third time, Ayes 60, Noes 34”. Official record · This vote on its own page
Assembly vote on an amendment
Passed, 60 to 34 · Feb 21, 2012
No member-by-member record exists for this vote. Committee votes and some older sessions record totals only.
Official motion: “Assembly substitute amendment 1 laid on table, Ayes 60, Noes 34”. Official record · This vote on its own page
Assembly vote to pass it
Passed, 72 to 22 · Mar 15, 2012 · 5 didn't vote
See how each of the 99 representatives voted Hide the names
D: Democrat, I: Independent, R: Republican
Yes (72)
- Alvin Ott (R, 3)
- Amy Loudenbeck (R, 31)
- Amy Sue Vruwink (D, 70)
- André Jacque (R, 1)
- Andy Jorgensen (D, 43)
- Bill Kramer (R, 97)
- Bob Ziegelbauer (I, 25)
- Chad Weininger (R, 4)
- Chris Danou (D, 92)
- Chris Kapenga (R, 33)
- Christine Sinicki (D, 20)
- Dale Kooyenga (R, 5)
- Dan Knodl (R, 24)
- Dan Meyer (R, 34)
- Daniel LeMahieu (R, 59)
- David Craig (R, 28)
- David Cullen (D, 13)
- Dean Kaufert (R, 53)
- Dean Knudson (R, 30)
- Don Pridemore (R, 22)
- Donna Seidel (D, 85)
- Duey Stroebel (R, 20)
- Edward Brooks (R, 50)
- Erik Severson (R, 28)
- Evan Wynn (R, 43)
- Fred Clark (D, 81)
- Frederick Kessler (D, 12)
- Garey Bies (R, 1)
- Gary Tauchen (R, 6)
- Howard Marklein (R, 17)
- Janet Bewley (D, 25)
- Jeff Fitzgerald (R, 39)
- Jeff Mursau (R, 36)
- Jeffrey Stone (R, 82)
- Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R, 52)
- Jerry Petrowski (R, 29)
- Jim Ott (R, 23)
- Jim Steineke (R, 5)
- Joan Ballweg (R, 14)
- Joe Knilans (R, 44)
- Joel Kleefisch (R, 38)
- John Klenke (R, 88)
- John Nygren (R, 89)
- Josh Zepnick (D, 9)
- Karl Van Roy (R, 90)
- Kathleen Bernier (R, 23)
- Keith Ripp (R, 42)
- Kevin Petersen (R, 57)
- Lee Nerison (R, 96)
- Mark Honadel (R, 21)
- Mark Radcliffe (D, 92)
- Mary Williams (R, 87)
- Michelle Litjens (R, 56)
- Mike Endsley (R, 26)
- Mike Kuglitsch (R, 84)
- Nick Milroy (D, 73)
- Pat Strachota (R, 58)
- Paul F. Farrow (R, 33)
- Richard Spanbauer (R, 53)
- Robin Vos (R, 33)
- Roger Rivard (R, 75)
- Samantha Kerkman (R, 61)
- Scott Krug (R, 72)
- Scott Suder (R, 69)
- Steve Kestell (R, 27)
- Steve Nass (R, 11)
- Thomas Larson (R, 67)
- Thomas Tiffany (R, 12)
- Tony Staskunas (D, 15)
- Travis Tranel (R, 49)
- Tyler August (R, 31)
- Warren Petryk (R, 93)
No (22)
- Barbara Toles (D, 17)
- Brett Hulsey (D, 78)
- Chris Taylor (D, 76)
- Cory Mason (D, 66)
- Elizabeth Coggs (D, 10)
- Gary Hebl (D, 46)
- Gordon Hintz (D, 54)
- Janis Ringhand (D, 15)
- Jill Billings (D, 95)
- JoCasta Zamarripa (D, 8)
- Jon Richards (D, 19)
- Kelda Roys (D, 26)
- Leon Young (D, 16)
- Louis Molepske Jr. (D, 71)
- Margaret Krusick (D, 7)
- Mark Pocan (D, 78)
- Penny Bernard Schaber (D, 57)
- Peter Barca (D, 64)
- Robert Turner (D, 61)
- Sandy Pasch (D, 10)
- Sondy Pope (D, 80)
- Steve Doyle (D, 94)
Didn't vote (5)
- Jason Fields (D, 11)
- John Murtha (R, 29)
- John Steinbrink (D, 65)
- Tamara Grigsby (D, 18)
- Terese Berceau (D, 77)
Official motion: “Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 72, Noes 22”. Official record · This vote on its own page
What happened
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Apr 10, 2012
The new law was published.
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Apr 6, 2012
The governor signed it. It became 2011 Wisconsin Act 243.
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Apr 5, 2012
Sent to the governor.
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Mar 15, 2012
The Assembly passed it too, 72 to 22.
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Feb 21, 2012
Sent to the Assembly Committee on Rules.
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Feb 21, 2012
The Assembly received it.
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Feb 21, 2012
The Senate passed it.
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Feb 20, 2012
A state agency sent in its estimate of the cost.
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Feb 16, 2012
The committee voted to recommend passing it, 4 to 0.
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Feb 9, 2012
The committee held a public hearing.
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Feb 3, 2012
Sent to the Senate Committee on Transportation and Elections.
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Feb 3, 2012
Introduced in the Senate.
See the official record, word for word Hide the official record
- Feb 3, 2012 · Senate
Introduced by Senators Lazich and Lasee, by request of The Department of Transportation;Cosponsored by Representatives Petrowski and Bies
- Feb 3, 2012 · Senate
Read first time and referred to committee on Transportation and Elections
- Feb 8, 2012 · Senate
Senate amendment 1 offered by Senator Harsdorf
- Feb 9, 2012 · Senate
Public hearing held
- Feb 16, 2012 · Senate
Executive action taken
- Feb 16, 2012 · Senate
Report passage recommended by committee on Transportation and Elections, Ayes 4, Noes 0
- Feb 16, 2012 · Senate
Available for scheduling
- Feb 20, 2012 · Senate
Fiscal estimate received
- Feb 20, 2012 · Senate
Placed on calendar 2-21-2012 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Feb 21, 2012 · Senate
Read a second time
- Feb 21, 2012 · Senate
Ordered to a third reading
- Feb 21, 2012 · Senate
Rules suspended
- Feb 21, 2012 · Senate
Read a third time and passed
- Feb 21, 2012 · Senate
Ordered immediately messaged
- Feb 21, 2012 · Assembly
Received from Senate
- Feb 21, 2012 · Assembly
Read first time and referred to committee on Rules
- Feb 21, 2012 · Assembly
Rules suspended to withdraw from committee on Rules and take up
- Feb 21, 2012 · Assembly
Read a second time
- Feb 21, 2012 · Assembly
Assembly substitute amendment 1 offered by Representatives Barca, Jorgensen, Pasch and Mason
- Feb 21, 2012 · Assembly
Assembly substitute amendment 1 laid on table, Ayes 60, Noes 34
- Feb 21, 2012 · Assembly
Ordered to a third reading
- Feb 21, 2012 · Assembly
Refused to suspend rules to read a third time, Ayes 60, Noes 34
- Mar 6, 2012 · Assembly
Made a special order of business at 12:04 P.M. on 3-13-2012 pursuant to Assembly Resolution 22
- Mar 15, 2012 · Assembly
Read a second time
- Mar 15, 2012 · Assembly
Ordered to a third reading
- Mar 15, 2012 · Assembly
Rules suspended
- Mar 15, 2012 · Assembly
Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 72, Noes 22
- Mar 15, 2012 · Assembly
Ordered immediately messaged
- Mar 16, 2012 · Senate
Received from Assembly concurred in
- Mar 23, 2012 · Senate
Report correctly enrolled on 3-23-2012
- Apr 5, 2012 · Senate
Presented to the Governor on 4-5-2012
- Apr 6, 2012 · Senate
Report approved by the Governor on 4-6-2012. 2011 Wisconsin Act 243
- Apr 10, 2012 · Senate
Published 4-19-2012
Terms on this page
Wisconsin Act
The number a bill gets when it becomes law, like 2025 Wisconsin Act 12.
Official term: Act. More in the glossary
Legislative Reference Bureau
The Legislature's nonpartisan office that drafts bills and writes the summary at the top of each one.
Official term: LRB analysis. More in the glossary
Author
A lawmaker who formally puts a bill forward. The text itself is drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
Official term: Author, coauthor. More in the glossary
Signed on in support
Lawmakers who back a bill without being one of its authors, often from the other chamber.
Official term: Cosponsor. More in the glossary
Cost estimate
A state agency's estimate of what a bill would cost or save.
Official term: Fiscal estimate. More in the glossary
Roll call
A vote where each lawmaker's yes or no is recorded by name.
Official term: Roll call vote. More in the glossary
From the Wisconsin Legislature's official record, checked Sep 15, 2026. See the source
Wisconsin Act
The number a bill gets when it becomes law, like 2025 Wisconsin Act 12.
Official term: Act
Legislative Reference Bureau
The Legislature's nonpartisan office that drafts bills and writes the summary at the top of each one.
Official term: LRB analysis
Signed on in support
Lawmakers who back a bill without being one of its authors, often from the other chamber.
Official term: Cosponsor
Cost estimate
A state agency's estimate of what a bill would cost or save.
Official term: Fiscal estimate
Roll call
A vote where each lawmaker's yes or no is recorded by name.
Official term: Roll call vote