4/20/09-A bill died in the House Transportation Committee that would have had drivers of overweight vehicles face escalating fines depending on just how heavily the trucks are loaded. The bill, which previously passed the Senate, remained in committee at the deadline to advance to the full House.
Sponsored by Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada, SB391 specified that trucks found to be overloaded between 700 pounds and 2,000 pounds would face fines of 3 cents for every pound overweight. Violations for trucks weighing between 2,001 pounds and 5,000 pounds more than allowed would have faced fines of 5 cents per pound.
Fines for trucks found 5,001 pounds to 7,500 pounds overweight would have increased to 7 cents per pound. Trucks weighing between 7,501 pounds and 10,000 pounds in excess would have faced fines of 9 cents per pound.
Violations for trucks weighing between 10,001 pounds and 12,500 pounds more than allowed would have been fined 11 cents per pound. Fines would have increased to 13 cents per pound for weight violations ranging from 12,501 pounds to 15,000 pounds.
Any trucks found to be 15,001 pounds or more in excess would have faced fines of 15 cents per pound.

4/2/09-The Senate unanimously approved one bill that would establish seven stages of penalties for vehicles or combinations of vehicles in excess of the gross weight limitations.
Sponsored by Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada, SB391 specifies that trucks found to be overloaded between 700 pounds and 2,000 pounds would face fines of 3 cents for every pound overweight. Violations for trucks weighing between 2,001 pounds and 5,000 pounds more than allowed would face fines of 5 cents per pound.
Fines for trucks found 5,001 pounds to 7,500 pounds overweight would increase to 7 cents per pound. Trucks weighing between 7,501 pounds and 10,000 pounds in excess would face fines of 9 cents per pound.
Violations for trucks weighing between 10,001 pounds and 12,500 pounds more than allowed would be fined 11 cents per pound. Fines would increase to 13 cents per pound for weight violations ranging from 12,501 pounds to 15,000 pounds.
Any trucks found to be 15,001 pounds or more in excess would face fines of 15 cents per pound.
The bill is awaiting consideration in the House Transportation Committee.
For bill status, call 405-524-0126. In Oklahoma, call 800-522-8502.

1/16/09-Sen. Susan Paddack, D-Ada, has offered legislation for consideration during the upcoming regular session that would establish seven stages of penalties for vehicles or combinations of vehicles in excess of the gross weight limitations.
SB391 specifies that trucks found to be overloaded between 700 pounds and 2,000 pounds would face fines of 3 cents for every pound overweight. Violations for trucks weighing between 2,001 pounds and 5,000 pounds more than allowed would face fines of 5 cents per pound.
Fines for trucks found 5,001 pounds to 7,500 pounds overweight would increase to 7 cents per pound. Trucks weighing between 7,501 pounds and 10,000 pounds in excess would face fines of 9 cents per pound.
Violations for trucks weighing between 10,001 pounds and 12,500 pounds more than allowed would be fined 11 cents per pound. Fines would increase to 13 cents per pound for weight violations ranging from 12,501 pounds to 15,000 pounds.
Any trucks found to be 15,001 pounds or more in excess would face fines of 15 cents per pound.
The bill is awaiting assignment to committee for the session that begins Feb. 2.
For Senate bill status, call 405-524-0126.