SUMMARY AS ENACTED
Senate Bill 35 (as enacted) PUBLIC ACT 80 of 2012
Senate Committee: Transportation
House Committee: Transportation
CONTENT
The bill amended the Michigan Vehicle Code to prescribe a maximum length of 65 or 75 feet for a recreational vehicle (RV) plus a trailer; and to allow a truck tractor and lowboy semitrailer combination of any length to operate on a designated highway, subject to certain conditions.
The bill took effect on April 11, 2012.
Recreational Vehicle
The Code prescribes the maximum length for various vehicles and combinations of vehicles. Under the bill, the maximum length of a recreational vehicle that has its own motive power, in combination with a trailer, is 65 feet or, if the RV operator has a group commercial motor vehicle designation on his or her operator's or chauffeur's license, 75 feet.
Also, under the Code, a pickup truck with a towing rate equal to or greater than the weight being towed, equipped with a fifth wheel assembly towing attached with a semitrailer designed for recreational living purposes, may tow an additional trailer or semitrailer under certain conditions. Previously, the total length of the pickup truck, semitrailer, and additional trailer or semitrailer, and load could not exceed 65 feet. The bill increased the maximum length of this combination to 75 feet.
Lowboy Semitrailer
The Code prescribes maximum lengths for different types of vehicles operating on designated highways (highways approved by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) or a local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction).
The bill provides that, for a truck tractor and lowboy semitrailer combination on a designated highway, there is no maximum length, if the lowboy semitrailer does not exceed 59 feet, except as otherwise permitted. A lowboy semitrailer wheelbase may not exceed 55 feet as measured from the kingpin coupling to the center of the rear axle. A lowboy semitrailer longer than 59 feet may not operate with more than any combination of four axles unless an oversized load permit is issued by MDOT or a local authority with respect to highways under its jurisdiction.
The bill defines "lowboy semitrailer" as a flatbed semitrailer with a depressed section that has the specific purpose of being lowered and raised for loading and unloading.
Legislative Analyst: Julie Cassidy
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill will have no fiscal impact on State or local government.
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.