RECREATIONAL VEHICLE LENGTH
Senate Bill 35 (S-1, reported without amendment)
Sponsor: Sen. Mike Nofs
House Committee: Transportation
Senate Committee: Transportation
Complete to 3-20-12
A SUMMARY OF SENATE BILL 35 AS REPORTED FROM HOUSE COMMITTEE
The Michigan Vehicle Code specifies the maximum length for various vehicles and combinations of vehicles. Under Senate Bill 35, the maximum length of a recreational vehicle (RV) that has its own motive power, in combination with a trailer, would be 65 feet. However, if the operator of the RV has a group commercial motor vehicle designation on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license, the maximum length would be 75 feet.
The Vehicle Code also specifies that a pickup truck with a towing rate equal to or greater than the weight being towed, equipped with an appropriate fifth wheel assembly, towing attached with a semitrailer designed for recreational living purposes, may tow an additional trailer or semitrailer under certain conditions. In such cases, the total length of the pickup truck, semitrailer and additional trailer or semitrailer, and load may not exceed 65 feet. The bill would increase the maximum combined length to 75 feet.
MCL 257.719 & 257.721
FISCAL IMPACT:
The bill would appear to have no fiscal impact on state or local government.
POSITIONS:
Department of Transportation is neutral on the bill.
■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.