The bill, S.B. No. 1572, amends the Transportation Code to establish regulations for vehicles transporting steel. It introduces an affirmative defense for operators of vehicles with axle weights exceeding legal limits if the vehicle is transporting steel or certain agricultural products, provided the weight does not exceed the authorized limit by more than 12 percent. Additionally, the bill creates a new subchapter that allows the Texas Department of Transportation to issue permits for truck-tractor and semitrailer combinations transporting steel, with specific weight and safety requirements. A permit fee of $1,200 is established, and the bill outlines the distribution of this fee among state and local entities.

Furthermore, the bill specifies that permits must be carried in the vehicle and includes provisions for a permit sticker to aid in enforcement. It prohibits counties and municipalities from imposing additional fees or permits beyond those required by state law for the operation of these vehicles. The bill also mandates the adoption of rules by the Department of Public Safety for safety and driver training related to these permits. The changes will take effect on January 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Transportation Code 621.508, Chapter , Transportation Code 623.421, Transportation Code 623.003 (Transportation Code 621, Chapter , Transportation Code 623, Transportation Code 623)