2007 Legislation
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SENATE BILL NO. 1049 – MV, commercial, variable load axles

SENATE BILL NO. 1049

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Bill Status



S1049.....................................................by TRANSPORTATION
COMMERCIAL VEHICLES - Amends existing law to delete provisions for
prequalification of variable load suspension axles; and to allow variable
load suspension axles to be nonsteering when not exceeding five feet from
the remaining axle group.
                                                                        
01/26    Senate intro - 1st rdg - to printing
01/29    Rpt prt - to Transp
02/02    Rpt out - rec d/p - to 2nd rdg
02/05    2nd rdg - to 3rd rdg
02/06    3rd rdg - PASSED - 35-0-0
      AYES -- Andreason, Bair, Bastian, Bilyeu, Broadsword, Burkett,
      Cameron, Coiner, Corder, Darrington, Davis, Fulcher, Gannon, Geddes,
      Goedde, Hammond, Heinrich, Hill, Jorgenson, Kelly, Keough, Langhorst,
      Little, Lodge, Malepeai, McGee, McKague, McKenzie, Pearce,
      Richardson, Schroeder, Siddoway, Stegner, Stennett, Werk
      NAYS -- None
      Absent and excused -- None
    Floor Sponsor - Malepeai
    Title apvd - to House
02/07    House intro - 1st rdg - to Transp
02/23    Rpt out - rec d/p - to 2nd rdg
02/26    2nd rdg - to 3rd rdg
03/06    3rd rdg - PASSED - 67-0-3
      AYES -- Anderson, Andrus, Barrett, Bayer, Bedke, Bell, Bilbao, Black,
      Block, Bock, Boe, Bolz, Brackett, Bradford, Chadderdon, Chavez, Chew,
      Clark, Collins, Crane, Durst, Edmunson, Eskridge, Hagedorn, Hart,
      Harwood, Henbest, Henderson, Jaquet, Killen, King, Kren, Lake,
      LeFavour, Luker, Marriott, Mathews, McGeachin, Mortimer, Moyle,
      Nielsen, Nonini, Pasley-Stuart, Patrick, Pence, Raybould, Ring,
      Ringo, Roberts, Ruchti, Rusche, Sayler, Schaefer, Shepherd(2),
      Shepherd(8), Shirley, Shively, Smith(30), Snodgrass, Stevenson,
      Thayn, Trail, Vander Woude, Wills, Wood(27), Wood(35), Mr. Speaker
      NAYS -- None
      Absent and excused -- Labrador, Loertscher, Smith(24)
    Floor Sponsor - Wood(35)
    Title apvd - to Senate
03/07    To enrol
03/08    Rpt enrol - Pres signed - Sp signed
03/09    To Governor
03/13    Governor signed
         Session Law Chapter 65
         Effective: 07/01/07

Bill Text


                                                                        
                                                                        
  ]]]]              LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF IDAHO             ]]]]
 Fifty-ninth Legislature                   First Regular Session - 2007
                                                                        
                                                                        
                                       IN THE SENATE
                                                                        
                                    SENATE BILL NO. 1049
                                                                        
                                BY TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE
                                                                        
  1                                        AN ACT
  2    RELATING TO ALLOWABLE GROSS LOADS; AMENDING SECTION 49-1001,  IDAHO  CODE,  TO
  3        DELETE  PROVISIONS  ALLOWING FOR PREQUALIFICATION OF VARIABLE LOAD SUSPEN-
  4        SION AXLES AND TO ALLOW VARIABLE LOAD SUSPENSION AXLES TO  BE  NONSTEERING
  5        WHEN  NOT  EXCEEDING FIVE FEET FROM THE REMAINING AXLE GROUP AND TO MAKE A
  6        TECHNICAL CORRECTION.
                                                                        
  7    Be It Enacted by the Legislature of the State of Idaho:
                                                                        
  8        SECTION 1.  That Section 49-1001, Idaho Code, be, and the same  is  hereby
  9    amended to read as follows:
                                                                        
 10        49-1001.  ALLOWABLE  GROSS LOADS. The gross load imposed on the highway by
 11    any vehicle or combination of vehicles shall not exceed  the  limits  in  this
 12    section.  The  maximum  single  axle  gross  weight  shall  be twenty thousand
 13    (20,000) pounds, the maximum single wheel gross weight shall be  ten  thousand
 14    (10,000)  pounds  and the maximum gross vehicle or combination weight shall be
 15    one hundred five thousand five hundred (105,500) pounds, provided that maximum
 16    gross vehicle or combination weight on United States  federal  interstate  and
 17    defense  highways  of  this  state  shall  not exceed eighty thousand (80,000)
 18    pounds, except as permitted under the provisions  of  section  49-1004,  Idaho
 19    Code.
 20        (1)  The total gross weight imposed on the highway by any group of consec-
 21    utive axles shall be determined by the following formula:
 22                                W=500((LN/N-1)+12N+36)
 23        Where  W  is the maximum weight in pounds (to the nearest 500 pounds) car-
 24    ried on any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles. L is the  distance  in
 25    feet  between  the extremes of any group of two (2) or more consecutive axles,
 26    and N is the number of axles under consideration.
                                                                        
                                       2
                                                                        
  1    FOR A COPY OF THIS TABLE, PLEASE CONTACT CHARMI  ARREGUI  IN  THE  LEGISLATIVE
  2    SERVICES OFFICE (208-334-2475).
                                                                        
  3    FOR  A  COPY OF THE PRINTED BILL, WHICH WILL CONTAIN THE TABLE, PLEASE CONTACT
  4    THE LEGISLATIVE MAIL CENTER (208-332-1401).
                                                                        
                                       3
                                                                        
  1    FOR A COPY OF THIS TABLE, PLEASE CONTACT CHARMI  ARREGUI  IN  THE  LEGISLATIVE
  2    SERVICES OFFICE (208-334-2475).
                                                                        
  3    FOR  A  COPY OF THE PRINTED BILL, WHICH WILL CONTAIN THE TABLE, PLEASE CONTACT
  4    THE LEGISLATIVE MAIL CENTER (208-332-1401).
                                                                        
                                       4
                                                                        
  1        (a)  A public highway agency may limit  the  application  of  the  weights
  2        authorized  in  this section as to certain highways within its urisdiction
  3        jurisdiction which it determines have limited structural capacity of pave-
  4        ments, bridges, or other appurtenances. In designating such  highways,  it
  5        may  specify  a minimum wheelbase for combinations to be operated thereon.
  6        It may also designate specific highways or portions on which operation  of
  7        a  combination of vehicles with seven (7) through thirteen (13) axles will
  8        be subject to specified lesser allowable gross weights.
  9        (b)  Notwithstanding the figures shown in the  table  in  this  subsection
 10        (1),  two  (2)  consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of
 11        thirty-four thousand (34,000) pounds each, providing the overall  distance
 12        between  the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles
 13        is thirty-six (36) feet or more.
 14        (c)  Vehicles may operate with reducible loads at  gross  weights  greater
 15        than  one  hundred  five  thousand  five  hundred (105,500) pounds but not
 16        exceeding one hundred twenty-nine thousand (129,000) pounds  on  noninter-
 17        state highways in accordance with the provisions of section 49-1004, Idaho
 18        Code,  provided  such  vehicles are in compliance with  the weight formula
 19        specified in this subsection (1) of this section, have registered and have
 20        paid the registration fees as specified in section 49-434, Idaho Code, and
 21        are in compliance with  the  length  restrictions  set  forth  in  section
 22        49-1010(7), Idaho Code.
 23        (2)  The  weight  limitations  set forth in the table in subsection (1) of
 24    this section shall not apply to any vehicle, or combination of vehicles when a
 25    greater allowed weight in pounds would be permitted such  vehicles  under  the
 26    table  provided  in this subsection, except that with regard to transportation
 27    on the United States federal interstate and defense highways  of  this  state,
 28    the  following table of allowable weights shall apply only to vehicles engaged
 29    in the transportation of logs, pulp wood, stull, rough lumber, poles  or  pil-
 30    ing;  or  to  any  such vehicle engaged in the transportation of ores, concen-
 31    trates, sand and gravel and aggregates thereof, in bulk; or to any such  vehi-
 32    cle engaged in the transportation of agricultural commodities, including live-
 33    stock:
 34    Distance in feet between                Allowed Load in Pounds
 35    the extremes of any group        Vehicles with           Vehicles with
 36    of 2 or more consecutive         Three or Four           Five or more
 37           axles                         axles                   axles
 38             3 through 12               37,800                  37,800
 39             13                         56,470                  56,470
 40             14                         57,940                  57,940
 41             15                         59,400                  59,400
 42             16                         60,610                  60,610
 43             17                         61,820                  61,820
 44             18                         63,140                  63,140
 45             19                         64,350                  64,350
 46             20                         65,450                  65,450
 47             21                         66,000                  66,330
 48             22                         66,000                  67,250
 49             23                         66,000                  67,880
 50             24                         66,000                  68,510
 51             25                         66,000                  69,150
 52             26                         66,000                  69,770
 53             27                         66,000                  70,400
 54             28                         66,000                  70,950
 55             29                         66,000                  71,500
                                                                        
                                       5
                                                                        
  1    Distance in feet between                Allowed Load in Pounds
  2    the extremes of any group        Vehicles with           Vehicles with
  3    of 2 or more consecutive         Three or Four           Five or more
  4           axles                         axles                   axles
  5             30                         66,000                  72,050
  6             31                                                 72,600
  7             32                                                 73,150
  8             33                                                 73,700
  9             34                                                 74,250
 10             35                                                 74,800
 11             36                                                 75,350
 12             37                                                 75,900
 13             38                                                 76,450
 14             39                                                 77,000
 15             40                                                 77,550
 16             41                                                 78,100
 17             42                                                 78,650
 18             43 and over                                        79,000
 19    The  weight  allowances  provided in this subsection do not apply if the total
 20    gross weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles  is  intended  to  exceed
 21    seventy-nine  thousand  (79,000)  pounds as declared by the operator. When the
 22    provisions of this subsection are applicable to a vehicle  or  combination  of
 23    vehicles, it shall be a violation of the provisions of this subsection if that
 24    vehicle  or  combination  of  vehicles  exceeds  the weights specified in this
 25    table.
 26        (3)  In determining the gross weight of a vehicle or the gross  weight  of
 27    any  two  (2)  or more consecutive axles under subsection (1) or (2) or (9) of
 28    this section, the total gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles
 29    or the gross weight of any two (2) or more consecutive axles shall be the  sum
 30    of the axle weights.
 31        For  the  purposes  of  this  chapter the gross weight of a vehicle or the
 32    gross weight of any two (2) or more consecutive axles  may  be  determined  by
 33    accumulatively  adding    the  separate weights of individual axles and tandem
 34    axles or groups of axles to determine gross weight. The results of any  weigh-
 35    ing  at a temporary or permanent port of entry and the records relating to the
 36    calibration and accuracy of any scale at a  temporary  or  permanent  port  of
 37    entry shall be admissible in any proceeding in this state. In order to prove a
 38    violation of the provisions of this section the state must show that:
 39        (a)  The  sum of the axle weights exceeds what is allowable under the pro-
 40        visions of subsection (1) or (2) or (9) of this section;
 41        (b)  The scale involved in the weighing was at the time of weighing  cali-
 42        brated  in  conformity with and met the accuracy requirements of the stan-
 43        dards for the enforcement of traffic and highway laws as set forth in  the
 44        latest  edition  of handbook 44 of the national institute of standards and
 45        technology;
 46        (c)  Weights of individual axles or  axles  within  a  commonly  suspended
 47        group  of  axles  supported  by a mechanical system designed to distribute
 48        equal wheel loads to individual axles in the group were utilized  only  to
 49        determine gross weights of that group of axles, and that any further eval-
 50        uation of gross weights of combinations of axles considered only the accu-
 51        mulated gross weight of each such commonly suspended group of axles.
 52        (4)  In applying the weight limitations imposed in this section, a vehicle
 53    or combination of vehicles must comply exclusively with the weight limitations
 54    in either subsection (1) or (2) or (9) of this section.
 55        (5)  In  applying the weight limitations imposed in this section, the dis-
                                                                        
                                       6
                                                                        
  1    tance between axles shall be measured to the nearest even foot. When  a  frac-
  2    tion  is  exactly  one-half  (1/2)  foot the next larger whole number shall be
  3    used.
  4        (6)  The limitations imposed in this section are in addition  and  supple-
  5    mental  to  all  other  laws  imposing limitations upon the size and weight of
  6    vehicles. Further, single axles within groups of axles are subject to the pro-
  7    visions and limitations of this chapter. Single axles within groups  of  axles
  8    may  be  weighed and evaluated separately, or single axles may be prequalified
  9    in accordance with rules or ordinances established by the board or other  pub-
 10    lic  road jurisdiction, if any of the following conditions exist regarding the
 11    single axle within a group of axles:
 12        (a)  A suspension system common to all axles in the group  of  axles  does
 13        not exist.
 14        (b)  One (1) or more axles in the group of axles is equipped with separate
 15        variable  load suspension controls to regulate the weight carried by indi-
 16        vidual axles.
 17        (c)  One (1) or more axles in a group of axles is equipped  with  more  or
 18        fewer tires than other axles in the group of axles.
 19        (d)  All  tires  in the group of axles are not the same size as determined
 20        by the manufacturer's sidewall rating.
 21        (7)  Notwithstanding the other provisions of  this  chapter,  no  vehicle,
 22    motor  vehicle,  trailer  and/or  semitrailer,  or combination thereof, may be
 23    operated on the public highways of the state under loads which would result in
 24    the withholding of funds by operation of controlling federal law  as  provided
 25    in the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1956, as amended.
 26        (8)  Except  as provided herein, no vehicle or combination of vehicles may
 27    proceed past the place of weighing at temporary or permanent ports of entry or
 28    checking stations when: the weight of a single axle exceeds the maximum  limi-
 29    tations set forth herein by two thousand (2,000) pounds or more; the weight of
 30    a  combination of axles, or gross vehicle weight exceeds the maximum allowable
 31    weight as set forth herein by seven percent (7%) or more. Vehicles or combina-
 32    tions of vehicles which exceed the weight limitations set forth herein   shall
 33    be  required  to be brought into compliance with applicable weight limitations
 34    contained within this subsection at the place of weighing prior to continuing,
 35    except those vehicles or combinations of vehicles which are transporting loads
 36    which, in the determination of the board or other proper authorities in charge
 37    of or having jurisdiction over a highway, are deemed unsafe or impractical  to
 38    bring  into  compliance  at  the  place of weighing, and except those vehicles
 39    which do not exceed fifteen percent (15%) over maximum  axle  and  axle  group
 40    weights set forth in this section. Vehicles or combinations of vehicles trans-
 41    porting  loads  in this latter category shall obtain a travel authorization to
 42    the nearest place of  safe  unloading,  load  adjustment  or  other  means  of
 43    legalization.
 44        (a)  Neither  the  state  of Idaho or its employees, nor any authority and
 45        its employees in charge of or having jurisdiction over a highway, shall be
 46        held liable for personal injury or  property  damage  resulting  from  the
 47        requirements of section 49-1001(8), Idaho Code.
 48        (b)  The  fee for a travel authorization as set forth above shall be fifty
 49        dollars ($50.00) and shall be on a form prescribed by the board  or  other
 50        proper authorities, and shall not be construed as contributing to a reduc-
 51        tion in the penalties prescribed in section 49-1013, Idaho Code.
 52        (c)  The  board  or other proper authorities in charge of or having juris-
 53        diction over a highway shall adopt and enforce administrative rules as may
 54        be necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.
 55        (9)  For vehicles on all highways except the United States federal  inter-
                                                                        
                                       7
                                                                        
  1    state and defense highways of this state, the following table shall apply:
  2    Distance in feet between                Allowed Load in Pounds
  3    the extremes of any group        Vehicles with           Vehicles with
  4    of 2 or more consecutive         Three or Four           Five or more
  5           axles                         axles                   axles
  6             3 through 12               37,800                  37,800
  7             13                         56,470                  56,470
  8             14                         57,940                  57,940
  9             15                         59,400                  59,400
 10             16                         60,610                  60,610
 11             17                         61,820                  61,820
 12             18                         63,140                  63,140
 13             19                         64,350                  64,350
 14             20                         65,450                  65,450
 15             21                         66,000                  66,330
 16             22                         66,000                  67,250
 17             23                         66,000                  67,880
 18             24                         66,000                  68,510
 19             25                         66,000                  69,150
 20             26                         66,000                  69,770
 21             27                         66,000                  70,400
 22             28                         66,000                  70,950
 23             29                         66,000                  71,500
 24             30                         66,000                  72,050
 25             31                                                 72,600
 26             32                                                 73,150
 27             33                                                 73,700
 28             34                                                 74,250
 29             35                                                 74,800
 30             36                                                 75,350
 31             37                                                 75,900
 32             38                                                 76,450
 33             39                                                 77,000
 34             40                                                 77,550
 35             41                                                 78,100
 36             42                                                 78,650
 37             43 and over                                        80,000
 38    The  weight  allowances  provided in this subsection do not apply if the total
 39    gross weight of a vehicle or combination of vehicles  is  intended  to  exceed
 40    eighty  thousand  (80,000) pounds as declared by the operator. When the provi-
 41    sions of this subsection are applicable to a vehicle or combination  of  vehi-
 42    cles,  it  shall  be  a violation of the provisions of this subsection if that
 43    vehicle or combination of vehicles  exceeds  the  weights  specified  in  this
 44    table.
 45        (10) When  owned  by  or  under  contract to or under authority of a city,
 46    county, or state agency, refuse/sanitation trucks transporting refuse  may  be
 47    operated  on public highways in accordance with the weights allowed in subsec-
 48    tion (9) of this section, except that such trucks equipped  with  single  rear
 49    axles  are  allowed  twenty-four  thousand (24,000) pounds on that single rear
 50    axle when specifically authorized by the public highway agency  governing  the
 51    highways  over which the refuse/sanitation truck is operating and provided the
 52    following conditions are met:
 53        (a)  The weight allowances provided for in this subsection shall not apply
 54        to the United States federal interstate and defense highways of the state;
 55        and
                                                                        
                                       8
                                                                        
  1        (b)  The owner or operator has paid an annual operating fee for a  permit,
  2        not  to  exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per refuse/sanitation truck to each
  3        public   agency   governing   the   public   highways   over   which   the
  4        refuse/sanitation truck operates. The  permit  shall  be  carried  in  the
  5        refuse/sanitation  truck.  The permit fee may be waived by a public agency
  6        for refuse/sanitation trucks operated  over  public  highways  under  that
  7        agency's jurisdiction.
  8        (11) Variable  load  suspension axles shall meet the following criteria in
  9    order to be included in the computation of gross vehicle or axle weight limits
 10    for vehicles under the provisions of this section:
 11        (a)  The deployment control switch for such axles may be located inside of
 12        the driver's compartment but the pressure regulator valve for  the  opera-
 13        tion  of pressure on the pavement shall be located outside of and inacces-
 14        sible to the driver's compartment.
 15        (b)  The manufacturer's gross axle weight rating of each  such  axle  must
 16        not be less than the actual loading of the axle.
 17        (c)  All variable load suspension axles mounted on a vehicle after January
 18        1,  1990,  shall  be  designed  to be self-steering; in a manner that will
 19        guide or direct the variable load  suspension  mounted  wheels  through  a
 20        turning  movement  without  undue tire scrubbing or pavement scuffing pro-
 21        vided however, variable load suspension axles that are within  sixty  (60)
 22        inches  of a drive axle or are within sixty (60) inches of a trailer axle,
 23        need not be self-steering.
 24        (d)  The manufacturer's gross tire weight rating of each tire must not  be
 25        less than the actual loading of the tire.
 26        (e)  Variable  load  suspension  axles  must  be  fully  deployed or fully
 27        raised. For applicable definitions, see sections 49-117 and 49-123,  Idaho
 28        Code.
 29        (12) Any  person who operates a motor vehicle with a variable load suspen-
 30    sion axle in violation of the provisions of this section shall be  subject  to
 31    the penalties provided in section 49-1013, Idaho Code.

Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Impact


                    STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

                          RS 16526

  The purpose of this legislation is to clarify when a
  Variable Load Suspension (VLS) axle must be self-steering
  and eliminate the provision for pre-qualification of VLS
  axles.  
  
  Currently Idaho Code, Section 49-1001 (11) requires all VLS
  axles to be self steering (regardless of the location), in
  order for the weight on the VLS axle to be calculated into
  the gross vehicle or axle weight limits of the vehicle. 
  
  VLS axles are commonly used in conjunction with tandem drive
  axles, and on trailers to allow the vehicle to obtain a
  higher gross weight and/or axle weights when needed.  
  
  This proposal would only require those VLS axles more than
  60 inches (5 feet) from the remaining drive axles, or
  trailer axles to be self steering and harmonize Idaho's
  provisions with those of the state of Washington.  
  
  Currently Idaho Code 49-1001 (6) contains archaic language
  authorizing the pre-qualification of VLS axles.  This
  proposed legislation removes that language.
  
  
 
  
  
                        FISCAL NOTE

  No fiscal impact on the department or industry.


  
       
  CONTACT
  Name:     Regina Phipps
  Agency:   Idaho Transportation Department
  Phone:    334-8418
  
  
  
  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE/FISCAL NOTE                   S 1049