Assigned to TRANS                                                                                                                         FOR COMMITTEE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Forty-seventh Legislature, Second Regular Session

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1218

envelope permits; overdimensional permits

Purpose

Requires local authorities that issue permits for overdimensional loads to provide the ordinances and rules governing those permits to the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT).  Requires ADOT rules to apply if a local authority does not issue excess or special weight permits.  Modifies the Overdimensional Permit Advisory Council.

Background

Arizona statutes define “envelope” as the outermost dimensions of a load or vehicle which includes width, height, length and the weight of the vehicle or its load.  An envelope permit is a permit issued by ADOT authorizing a person to transport property on the highways of this state pursuant to all applicable statutes, local ordinances and terms listed on the permit.

Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) policy currently requires that each state enforce vehicle size and weight laws to assure that violations are discouraged and vehicles traversing the highway system do not exceed the limits specified by law.  These size and weight limits are based upon design specifications and safety considerations and enforcement must be developed and maintained both to prevent premature deterioration of the highway pavement and structures and to provide a safe driving environment.

Each state is annually required to certify to the FHWA that the all state and federal laws are being enforced regarding the maximum vehicle size and weights permitted.  The following are the federally mandated maximum weights for the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways: 1) 80,000 pounds gross vehicle weight; 2) 20,000 pound single axle weight; and 3) 34,000 pound tandem axle weight.  Axle spacing is another consideration under the federal weight restrictions.  To protect bridges, the number and spacing of axles carrying the vehicle load must be calculated with a bridge weight formula.

Arizona law currently allows the ADOT Director to issue special permits authorizing applicants to operate or move a vehicle or combination of vehicles of a size or weight or load exceeding the maximum otherwise allowable.  In addition, the Director is required to adopt rules relating to overdimensional or overweight loads.

There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Requires a local authority that issues permits for overdimensional or overweight loads to provide ADOT with all of the local authority’s ordinances and rules relating to the permits.

2. Applies ADOT envelope permit rules to a local authority that does not issue excess size and weight permits.

3. Modifies name of the Overdimensional Permit Advisory Council to become the Overdimensional Permit Council.

4. Removes the specification that members of a municipal law enforcement agency serve on the on the overdimensional permit council, thereby allowing any member of a city or town to serve.

5. Makes technical and conforming changes.

6. Becomes effective on the general effective date.