LD 1702
pg. 1
LD 1702 Title Page An Act To Increase Efficiency in Truck Hauling LD 1702 Title Page
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LR 2607
Item 1

 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts of the Legislature do not become
effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as
emergencies; and

 
Whereas, to keep Maine truck drivers competitive and employed
during the winter and spring seasons, this issue of restricting
the use of larger trailers to haul certain products must be
resolved before the end of the legislative session; and

 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create
an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and
require the following legislation as immediately necessary for
the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now,
therefore,

 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:

 
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2390, sub-§1, ¶K is enacted to read:

 
K.__Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection,
a full trailer or semitrailer transporting sawdust, wood
shavings or wood chips whose structural length exceeds 48
feet but does not exceed 53 feet may be operated in
combination with a truck tractor if the overall length of
the combination of truck tractor and full trailer or
semitrailer does not exceed 74 feet, including all
structural parts of the vehicle, permanent or temporary.__
The wheelbase of a trailer or semitrailer exceeding 48 feet
must be the same as that of a trailer or semitrailer whose
structural length is 48 feet.

 
Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble,
this Act takes effect when approved.

 
SUMMARY

 
This bill increases the length limit of trailers and
semitrailers hauling sawdust, shavings or wood chips from 48
feet to 53 feet, as long as the overall length does not exceed 74
feet when combined with the truck. The wheelbase axle distance
must remain the same as that of a 48-foot trailer or semitrailer.


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