House Bill 615 amends Tennessee Code Annotated to provide specific regulations for vehicles transporting poles, logs, or timber. The bill modifies Section 55-7-201 by deleting the existing subsection (f) and replacing it with new provisions that allow for longer loads of these materials under certain conditions. Specifically, it states that the total length of the motor vehicle and its load cannot exceed seventy-five feet unless a permit is obtained. Additionally, the load must either be transported by a trailer equipped with extendable rear impact protection that meets federal safety standards or be accompanied by an escort vehicle displaying an "OVERSIZE LOAD" sign that meets specified dimensions.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that exempts the departments of safety and transportation from complying with any part of the act if adherence could jeopardize federal funding or grants. However, these departments are still required to comply with any provisions that do not pose a risk to such funding. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 55-7-201