Resolve, To Establish a Study Group To Update Weight Regulations

Sec. 1. Department of Transportation to create a study group on certain weight limits. Resolved: That the Department of Transportation shall convene a study group to review issues concerning weight tolerance, specifically for a tri-axle unit and a tri-axle unit of a 4-axle single-unit vehicle, for certain vehicles on public ways. The Department of Transportation shall invite the participation of representatives of the trucking and transportation industry and other interested stakeholders. The study group shall examine the current weight limits established in the Maine Revised Statutes, Title 29-A, section 2357 and the problems that have arisen in adhering to the limits, specifically focusing on the issue of load distribution problems and the enforcement of the limits. The study group shall develop recommendations to adjust the limits to ensure the safety and structure of public ways in the State and to increase productivity and efficiency in motor transportation; and be it further

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than December 7, 2011, the Department of Transportation shall report the results of the study under section 1 along with any recommended legislation to the Joint Standing Committee on Transportation. The Joint Standing Committee on Transportation may submit a bill related to the report to the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature.

summary

This resolve directs the Department of Transportation to convene a study group to examine the current weight limits on public ways and the problems that have arisen concerning the issue of load distribution problems and the enforcement of the limits and develop recommendations to adjust the limits to ensure the safety and structure of public ways in the State and to increase productivity and efficiency in motor transportation. The department is directed to invite the participation of the trucking and transportation industry and to report to the Second Regular Session of the 125th Legislature with its findings.