SB 722

This bill creates special highway weight limits for certain vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer.

Under current law generally, no person may operate on a highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceeds certain statutory weight limits without a permit issued by the Department of Transportation or a local highway authority. The allowable weight for a vehicle operating without a permit varies based on the number of axles on the vehicle, with a maximum total weight of 80,000 pounds. Currently, higher weight limits are provided for certain vehicles transporting specific agricultural products, with a maximum total weight of 90,000 pounds.

The bill authorizes DOT to issue permits, for a fee of $325, for the transport of grain, feed, or commercial fertilizers at a weight not to exceed 91,000 pounds. The permit is valid for the transportation of grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer only on highways that are within the state trunk highway system and only on a route specified by the department. Other highways may be used with written approval of the officers in charge of maintenance of the other highways. DOT may suspend the permit during a spring thaw.

Under current law, if any bill introduced in either house of the legislature directly or indirectly establishes an exception to vehicle weight limitations, DOT must prepare a report, containing specified information, relating to the bill within six weeks after the bill is introduced and before any vote is taken on the bill. This bill directs DOT not to prepare such a report on this bill.