The bill amends Section 32-9-20 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the enforcement of vehicle weight restrictions on highways. Key changes include replacing the term "person" with "individual" and introducing new definitions and regulations regarding axle weight limits, which are set at a maximum of 20,000 pounds per axle. The bill outlines a formula for calculating maximum gross weight based on axle spacing and specifies that vehicles exceeding these limits may only operate on designated highways with special permits. Additionally, it removes outdated language related to weight restrictions on the Interstate Highway System and clarifies conditions for operating with special permits, aiming to improve clarity and enforceability of weight regulations in Alabama.

SB266 further modernizes vehicle weight regulations by deleting previous weight calculation formulas and introducing an "allowable load tolerance" of 10% above prescribed weight limits. It exempts certain vehicles, such as dump trucks and concrete mixing trucks, from axle spacing requirements if they comply with the maximum weight limit. The bill also addresses driver compliance, the use of portable scales for enforcement, and allows county governments to impose lower weight limits on county highways. Notably, it permits vehicles with auxiliary power units to exceed weight limits by 400 pounds and allows natural gas-powered vehicles to exceed limits up to 82,000 pounds. The bill ensures compliance with federal standards and clarifies that it does not permit size or weight limits exceeding those established under federal law, with an effective date of October 1, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-9-20, 32-9-20
Engrossed: 32-9-20, 32-9-20
Enrolled: 32-9-20, 32-9-20