percent over 30%

41% or more $4,380 +

$175 for each

percent over 40%

For all vehicles manufactured, modified or retrofitted with liftable or variable load suspension axles after October 30, 1991, liftable or variable load suspension axles are permitted only under the following conditions: only one liftable or variable load axle may be present on the truck tractor and only one liftable or variable load axle may be present on the semitrailer; liftable or variable load axles must be located on the vehicle so that they are legally part of the tandem axle group or tri-axle group as appropriate; and the axle weight rating of liftable or variable load axles must conform to the expected loading of the suspension and must be 20,000 pounds or more.

Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §2360, sub-§18 is enacted to read:

18.__Exception to fine schedule for owners or operators with no overweight violation for 3 years.__Notwithstanding the provisions of this section, for a truck owner or operator who has not been convicted of any overweight violations during the preceding 3 years, the maximum fine for an overweight violation may not exceed $1 per pound for violation of a weight restriction on the total load, nor 50__per pound for violation of a weight restriction on any axle.__For purpose of this subsection, the calculation of overweight pounds must take into account and give credit for all allowable tolerances.

SUMMARY

This bill sets limits on the fines that may be assessed for owners and operators who have not been convicted of any overweight violation during the preceding 3 years.