LOG HAULING REGULATIONS - H.B. 6486: FLOOR ANALYSIS
House Bill 6486 (as reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Representative Jud Gilbert II
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation and Tourism
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to specify tie-down requirements for, and extend the allowable length of, log hauling trucks and crib vehicles.
Currently, any single vehicle over 40 feet long, or a bus or motor home over 45 feet, may not be operated on a Michigan highway. Under the bill, a crib vehicle on which logs or tubular products were loaded lengthwise of the vehicle could be up to 42.5 feet in length. The maximum allowable length for truck and semitrailer or trailer combinations is 65 feet. If a truck and semitrailer or trailer combination is used to transport saw logs, pulpwood, and tree length poles, the maximum allowable length is 70 feet. The bill would extend this to 75 feet for a crib vehicle and semitrailer or trailer used to transport saw logs and tubular products.
The bill also specifies how logs or tubular products would have to be loaded and secured, if the vehicle were a crib vehicle and the logs or tubular products were loaded lengthwise.
MCL 257.719 & 257.720 - Legislative Analyst: Julie Koval
FISCAL IMPACT
According to a written correspondence from the Federal Highway Administration (12-5-02), the bill would result in the State's being in violation of Federal regulations, resulting in sanctions. Federal Highway Administration estimated annual sanctions ranging from $65 million to $100 million.
Date Completed: 12-10-02 - Fiscal Analyst: Bill BowermanFloor\hb6486 - Bill Analysis @ www.senate.michigan.gov/sfa
This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan Senate staff for use by the Senate in its deliberations and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.