11/30/04-Gov. Jennifer Granholm has signed a measure permitting longer aggregate haulers on Michigan state roads.
The legislation extends the allowable length of those trucks from 59 feet to 65 feet.
Currently, there’s a 59-foot limit on the length of vehicles. But car haulers, logging trucks and recreational vehicles are among the vehicles already exempt from the requirement.
The bill – HB4358 – adds trucks hauling construction materials to the list.
It also eliminates a court’s discretion and institutes a flat fine of $200 per axle to be charged for trucks that are overweight by less than 4,000 pounds.
In addition, the measure requires a truck’s lift axles to be down before weighing.
The legislation, introduced by Rep. Gene DeRossett, R-Manchester, originally called for extending the length limit for all trucks on local roads to 65 feet long but was amended to solely apply to those carrying construction materials.
The changes will take effect on Jan. 1, 2006.

11/12/04-A bill that would allow longer trucks on Michigan state roads is closer to becoming law.
The Senate signed off on the measure Nov. 10 to increase the allowable length of trucks on local roads from 59 to 65 feet. The bill, which previously passed the House, now heads to Gov. Jennifer Granholm for consideration.
Currently, 65-foot trucks are only allowed on “designated highways,” as determined by the Michigan Department of Transportation. On non-designated highways, the length limitation for trucks is currently 59 feet, which is inconsistent with the 65-foot limit enforced on the national network of highways.
“The purpose [of the bill] is to bring the state into compliance with the Federal Highway Administration,” said Rep. Gene DeRossett, R-Manchester.
HB4358 would also amend how civil infractions are assessed on trucks violating load limits.
Under current law, a schedule of civil fines based on the number of pounds the truck or axles exceed the legal limit is used by the courts in handing down fines. Courts have discretion in cases where the load distribution to one or more axles exceeds the legal limit, but the gross weight of the vehicle is within the restrictions.
“There has been a lot of abuse,” said DeRossett, asserting that courts often fine trucking companies thousands of dollars for “overloads” when the truck’s load only is simply poorly distributed resulting in a violation of the axle load limit.
“This bill clarifies the definition of what is a misload and what is an overload,” he said.
It would eliminate court discretion in imposing overweight fines. For a vehicle that exceeds the weight limits for any of its axles but is within the total weight limit, a judge would impose a $250 fine, unless the weight exceeds the axle limit by 4,000 pounds, in which case the court would assess the $250 fine and fines outlined in the schedule.
The fine structure for exceeding the total weight limits would not change.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0630.

10/7/04-The Senate Transportation Committee has approved a bill that would allow longer trucks on state roads.
The panel voted 4-1 Oct. 5 to permit trucks 65 feet long on state roads, 6 feet longer than the current limit of 59 feet, which was set in 1976.
HB4358, sponsored by Rep. Gene DeRossett, R-Manchaster, previously passed the House by a 68-33 vote. It now heads to the full Senate for consideration.
For bill status, call (517) 373-0630.

9/30/04-The House approved a bill Sept. 29 that would allow longer trucks on state roads.
House lawmakers voted 68-33 to permit trucks 65 feet long on state roads, 6 feet longer than the current limit of 59 feet, which was set in 1976.
HB4358, sponsored by Rep. Gene DeRossett, R-Manchester, now heads to the Senate for consideration. For bill status, call (517) 373-0630.