The bill amends the Michigan Vehicle Code, specifically section 722, to establish new maximum axle load limits for vehicles with high-pressure pneumatic or balloon tires, based on the distance between axles. The new limits set an 18,000-pound maximum for axles spaced 9 feet or more apart, 13,000 pounds for those spaced between 3.5 and 9 feet, and 9,000 pounds for axles spaced less than 3.5 feet apart. It also allows for certain highways to accommodate heavier loads, permitting a maximum tandem axle assembly load of 16,000 pounds per axle under specified conditions. Additionally, the bill introduces provisions for agricultural commodity transport, allowing exemptions from seasonal weight restrictions with proper notification to the county road commission, and permits public utility vehicles and wreckers to exceed loading maximums during emergencies.

Moreover, the bill proposes amendments to existing vehicle weight regulations, maintaining a gross vehicle weight limit of 80,000 pounds, including enforcement tolerances. It allows for a 10% increase in axle loading maximums for vehicles transporting agricultural commodities or raw timber, with exceptions for those using interstate highways or roads with seasonal weight restrictions. Vehicles powered by compressed or liquefied natural gas or electric batteries with a gross weight of 82,000 pounds or less may exceed axle loading and weight load maximums by up to 2,000 pounds. The bill also defines key terms such as "agricultural commodities" and "public utility vehicle" to ensure consistent application of the regulations, ultimately aiming to balance regulatory compliance with the practical needs of transporting essential goods and services.

Statutes affected:
House Introduced Bill: 257.722
As Passed by the House: 257.722