The bill amends Section 32-9-20 of the Code of Alabama 1975, focusing on vehicle weight restrictions on highways. Key changes include replacing the term "person" with "individual" and introducing new definitions and regulations regarding vehicle dimensions and weights. It establishes maximum allowable weights for axles and overall vehicle combinations, along with a formula for calculating gross weight based on axle spacing. Vehicles exceeding specified weights must now obtain special permits to operate on public highways. The bill also removes outdated phrases and consolidates weight restrictions into clearer categories, enhancing clarity and enforceability of the regulations.

Additionally, SB266 introduces new provisions for allowable load tolerances, allowing vehicles to exceed weight limits by ten percent, and exempts certain vehicles like dump trucks from standard axle spacing requirements if they meet specific weight limits. It allows the use of portable scales for weight enforcement and grants counties the authority to impose lower weight limits on county highways. The bill also permits vehicles using auxiliary power units to exceed weight limits by up to 400 pounds and allows natural gas-fueled vehicles to exceed standard limits up to 82,000 pounds. Importantly, it ensures compliance with federal regulations and clarifies that existing vehicles operable as of January 4, 1975, remain unaffected. The act is set to take effect on 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