Act No. 63

(S.93)

Motor vehicles; commercial vehicles; interstate operation; weight violations

This act:

(1) In general implements federal legislation creating a pilot program allowing trucks to operate on the interstate highway system according to the same weight standards applicable to state highways. Interstate 189 is excluded, however, unless otherwise authorized by federal law.

(2) In general eliminates differences in the availability of annual permits to bear loads above 80,000 pounds for transporters of different commodities.

(3) Makes consistent tire and axle weight limits on Vermont highways and interstate highways.

(4) Makes applicable to interstate highways certain weight limits applicable to Vermont highways with respect to three- and four-axle vehicles.

(5) For five-axle vehicles makes an annual permit allowing operators to haul 90,000 pounds available to operators hauling any commodity and makes such a permit available for use on interstate highways.

(6) For five-axle vehicles hauling dairy products eliminates different tire and axle weight limits for interstate highways.

(7) For six-axle vehicles makes an annual permit allowing operators to haul 99,000 pounds available to operators hauling any commodity and makes the permit available for use on interstate highways. The act thus also repeals a provision applicable to six-axle vehicles providing for an annual permit to haul up to 90,000 pounds.

(8) Would cause Vermont law partially to revert back to its prior state by reinstating exclusions relating to weight limits on the interstate highway system if and when the federal pilot program expires.

Date Signed by the Governor:  January 13, 2010

Effective Date:  On passage (January 13, 2010, the date on which the governor signed the bill)