Assembly Bill 1159 amends the existing vehicle weight limit regulations to include special provisions for vehicles transporting maple sap or syrup. Currently, vehicles transporting milk and dairy products benefit from higher weight limits, allowing for a maximum of 21,000 pounds on a single axle and 37,000 pounds on two axles that are eight feet or fewer apart. This bill extends similar weight allowances to vehicles transporting maple sap or syrup, permitting the same axle weight limits and a total vehicle weight not exceeding 80,000 pounds. Additionally, the bill specifies that these weight limits do not apply to transportation on certain designated highways, including those in the national system of interstate and defense highways.

Furthermore, the bill exempts the Department of Transportation (DOT) from preparing a report on this legislation, which is typically required for bills that establish exceptions to vehicle weight limitations. This provision aims to streamline the legislative process for this specific bill. The changes are intended to support the maple syrup industry by allowing for more efficient transportation of their products without the burden of standard weight restrictions.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 348.15(3)(bg), 348.15