WEIGHT LIMITS; EXEMPT WRECKERS S.B. 640:
SUMMARY OF BILL
REPORTED FROM COMMITTEE
Senate Bill 640 (as reported without amendment)
Committee: Transportation and Infrastructure
CONTENT
The bill would amend the Michigan Vehicle Code to exempt a wrecker towing a disabled vehicle or traveling to or from the location of a disabled vehicle for the purpose of towing or servicing the disabled vehicle from seasonal reductions in maximum axle loads prescribed by the Code and from certain gross vehicle weight requirements on interstate highways.
MCL 257.722 Legislative Analyst: Tyler P. VanHuyse
FISCAL IMPACT
The bill would have a minor negative fiscal impact on MDOT and local governments that charge a fee for overweight permits. The number of wreckers that would need an overweight permit is not known. Data from the 2010s show that the number of registered wreckers in Michigan
ranges between 150 and 250. Overweight permit fees for travel on the trunkline typically range between $100 and $191, depending on the length of time for which the permit will be valid, usually between one and two years.
The permitting system for the State's roads does not generate substantial revenue for the trunkline system for road and bridge repairs. The revenue that is generated for trunkline overweight permits is nominal and is designed to cover administrative costs for the permitting office. Restricted revenue dedicated to road and bridge construction and repair projects comes from gas taxes and registration fees.
In general, weight restrictions are intended to preserve the existing State and local road network. Heavier loads and increased pounds per square inch of tire on the roadway, over time, could increase roadway deterioration. An indirect cost to the State and local governments because of loosened weight restrictions would be the faster deterioration of roadways.
Date Completed: 5-17-22 Fiscal Analyst: Michael Siracuse
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.