Operating certain three-vehicle combinations on highways. (FE)

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, utility 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.

Current law requires the heavier of the towed vehicles to 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. A three-vehicle combination may not be operated if specified highway or weather conditions are present.

This bill provides an exception for the operation of certain additional three-vehicle combinations without a permit. The bill allows a person to operate, without a permit, a three-vehicle combination not exceeding 70 feet in overall length if the towing vehicle serving as the power unit is equipped with a fifth wheel coupling, the second vehicle in the three-vehicle combination is a recreational vehicle or camping trailer, and the third vehicle in the three-vehicle combination is a recreational vehicle or camping trailer or a trailer carrying any vehicle for recreational use, carrying equestrian equipment and equestrian supplies for recreational purposes, or carrying no load. If the total loaded weight of all towed vehicles exceeds 3,000 pounds, one of the towed vehicles must also be equipped with brakes. These three-vehicle combinations may not be operated if specified highway or weather conditions are present.