An Act To Reduce Fines for Certain Trucking Violations

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

Whereas,  the recent expiration of the federal pilot project allowing vehicles up to 100,000 pounds gross vehicle weight on all of the Interstate Highway System in Maine has created a hardship for the trucking industry; and

Whereas,  the trucking industry is essential for the movement of goods, which drives the Maine economy; and

Whereas,  it is important to provide some immediate relief for motor carriers in challenging economic times; 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,

Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §558, sub-§1-A,  as amended by PL 2009, c. 598, §20, is further amended to read:

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

summary

This bill changes the fine, from the current minimum fine of $250 to a new maximum fine of $250 for the first offense, $500 for a 2nd offense and $1,000 for a 3rd or subsequent offense, for a violation of the federal regulations requiring drivers of commercial motor vehicles to limit driving time for property-carrying vehicles and to complete and keep a record of duty status for each 24-hour driving period.