Brief Description: Providing restrictions for public utility vehicles in the hauling of poles.

Sponsors: Representative Armstrong.

Hearing Date: 2/26/07

Staff: Jerry Long (786-7306).

Background:

In statute, there are maximum lengths for vehicles on the public highways. The maximum length of a vehicle, which is a combination consisting of a truck and trailer, cannot be in excess of 75 feet with limited exceptions. The length limitations do not apply to vehicles transporting poles, pipes, machinery, or other objects of a structural nature that cannot be dismembered and operated by a public utility. In addition, no vehicle will be operated on the highways with any part of the permanent structure or load extending in excess of 15 feet beyond the center of the last axle.

No vehicle or combination of vehicles can operate on the public highways with a gross weight on any single axle in excess of 20,000 pounds, or upon any group of axles in excess of that designated in statute. Permits may be obtained for additional weight depending on the type of load.

Summary of Bill:

The length, overhangs and weight limitations will not apply to the movement of public utility vehicles hauling up to four utility poles that cannot be dismembered if the tractor trailer combination, including load, does not exceed 105 feet and when the rear overhang of the load measured from the center of the rear axle does not exceed one-half of the total length of the vehicle including the load.

Department of Transportation will adopt rules for the patrolling, flagging, lighting, and signing of these public utility vehicles.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.