AB 842

Current law includes various provisions relating to the operation on highways

of implements of husbandry and farm tractors. An "implement of husbandry" is

generally defined as a vehicle or piece of equipment or machinery designed for

agricultural purposes, used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations, and

used principally off the highway, or a trailer-mounted bulk liquid fertilizer

container. However, an "implement of husbandry" does not include certain vehicles,

such as motor trucks or farm trucks, with or without a trailer attached, when

operated as a commercial motor vehicle on a highway. A "farm tractor" is defined as

a motor vehicle designed and used primarily as a farm implement for drawing plows,

mowing machines, and other implements of husbandry.

This bill modifies the definition of implement of husbandry. Under the bill, an

implement of husbandry is a self-propelled or towed vehicle that is manufactured,

designed, or reconstructed to be used and that is exclusively used in the conduct of

agricultural operations. An implement of husbandry includes a combination of

vehicles in which each vehicle in the combination is an implement of husbandry and

also includes an agricultural commercial motor vehicle (agricultural CMV),

discussed further below. An implement of husbandry may include a farm tractor, a

farm trailer, a self-propelled combine, or other vehicles.

The bill defines an agricultural CMV as a commercial motor vehicle to which

all of the following apply: 1) the vehicle is substantially designed or equipped, or

materially altered from its original construction, for the purpose of agricultural use;

2) the vehicle was designed and manufactured primarily for highway use and, with

an exception, was manufactured to meet federal motor vehicle highway safety

standards; 3) the vehicle is used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations;

and 4) the vehicle is directly engaged in harvesting farm products, directly applies

fertilizer, spray, or seeds to a farm field, or distributes feed to livestock. However, this

definition of an agricultural CMV applies only for a period of approximately 18

months after the bill's effective date.

Under current law, with limited exceptions, no person may operate on a

highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceeds certain statutory limits

on size, weight, or load unless that person obtains a permit issued by the Department

of Transportation (DOT) or a local highway authority. Current law imposes certain

weight limitations on vehicles and vehicle combinations, including limitations based

on the number and spacing of axles. Certain exceptions allow vehicles or vehicle

combinations to operate without a permit at weights higher than the general

statutory weight limitations.

Also under current law, DOT or a local highway authority may impose special

weight limits on highways that, because of weakness of the roadbed due to

deterioration or climatic conditions or other special or temporary conditions, would

likely be seriously damaged or destroyed in the absence of the special limits. If