Bill Text: NH HB1523 | 2018 | Regular Session | Enrolled

New Hampshire House Bill 1523 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Relative to heavy duty recovery vehicles.

Spectrum: Slight Partisan Bill (Republican 4-2)

Status: (Passed) 2018-05-29 - Signed by Governor Sununu 05/25/2018; Chapter 74; Eff. 7/24/2018 [HB1523 Detail]

Download: New_Hampshire-2018-HB1523-Enrolled.html

HB 1523 - VERSION ADOPTED BY BOTH BODIES

2018 SESSION

18-2483

03/06

HOUSE BILL 1523

AN ACT relative to heavy duty recovery vehicles.

SPONSORS: Rep. Steven Smith, Sull. 11; Rep. T. Walsh, Merr. 24; Rep. Soucy, Merr. 16; Rep. Rollins, Sull. 6; Rep. Cleaver, Hills. 35; Rep. Grenier, Sull. 7

COMMITTEE: Transportation

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ANALYSIS

This bill establishes weight limits for heavy duty recovery vehicles.

This bill was requested by the department of safety.

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Explanation: Matter added to current law appears in bold italics.

Matter removed from current law appears [in brackets and struckthrough.]

Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

18-2483

03/06

STATE OF NEW HAMPSHIRE

In the Year of Our Lord Two Thousand Eighteen

AN ACT relative to heavy duty recovery vehicles.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

1 New Section; Words and Phrases Defined; Heavy Duty Recovery Vehicle. Amend RSA 259 by inserting after section 40-a the following new section:

259:40-b Heavy Duty Recovery Vehicle. "Heavy duty recovery vehicle" shall mean a wrecker that:

I. Has been designed and manufactured for the specific purpose of recovering large vehicles that have a gross weight rating or actual gross weight in excess of 80,000 pounds;

II. Has either 4 or 5 axles;

III. Has a manufacturer's gross weight vehicle rating in excess of 70,000 pounds;

IV. Has a recovery boom with a rating of at least 70,000 pounds;

V. Has an air brake system with the capability to provide compressed air to the towed vehicle's braking and/or suspension system; and

VI. Has the capability to tow a combination vehicle with an actual gross weight of more than 99,000 pounds.

2 Weight on Interstate and Defense Highway System. Amend RSA 266:18, II to read as follows:

II. Maximum allowable vehicle gross weights:

(a) For 2-axle vehicles, 33,400 pounds.

(b) For single unit 3-axle vehicles, 47,500 pounds, or a gross weight not in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph [(g)] (h), whichever is greater, as shown in table III.

(c) For single unit 4-axle vehicles, provided that such vehicles shall have drive on 2 rear axles, and the tridem may contain not more than one retractable axle and, if not factory installed and load equalizing, must provide a system of load equalization by hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means, and be equipped with brakes:

(1) 47,500 pounds, or a gross weight not in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph [(g)] (h), whichever is the greater[. Such vehicles shall have drive on 2 rear axles, and the tridem may contain not more than one retractable axle and, if not factory installed and load equalizing, must provide a system of load equalization by hydraulic, pneumatic or mechanical means, and be equipped with brakes]; or

(2) If a heavy duty recovery vehicle, 75,000 pounds, or a gross weight not in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph (h), whichever is the greater.

(d) For a single unit 5-axle heavy duty recovery vehicle, 80,000 pounds, or a gross weight not in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph (h), whichever is the greater. Such vehicles shall have drive on 2 rear axles, and the tridem may contain not more than one retractable axle and, if not factory installed and load equalizing, must provide a system of load equalization by hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means, and be equipped with brakes.

(e) For a combination of truck-tractor and semi-trailer equipped with 3 axles, the gross weight shall not exceed that set forth in table I as follows:

Table I.

Distance Between Maximum Gross Weight

Extreme Axles in Feet in Pounds

25 54,500

26 55,500

27 56,000

28 57,000

29 57,500

30 58,500

31 59,000

32 60,000

Further provided that the maximum tire and axle gross weights as provided in paragraph I shall apply and the maximum load in pounds carried on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles shall not exceed that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph [(g)] (h).

[(e)] (f) For a combination of truck-tractor and semi-trailer equipped with 4 axles, the gross weight shall not exceed that set forth in table II as follows:

Table II.

Distance Between Maximum Gross Weight

Extreme Axles in Feet in Pounds

28 60,500

29 61,500

30 62,000

31 62,500

32 63,500

33 64,000

34 64,500

35 65,500

36 66,000

37 66,500

38 67,500

39 68,000

Further provided that the maximum tire and axle gross weights as provided in paragraph I shall apply, and the maximum load in pounds carried on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles shall not exceed that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph [(g)] (h).

[(f)] (g) For a combination of truck-tractor and single semi-trailer with 5 or more axles with gross weight not in excess of 73,280 pounds, the weight on any single axle shall not exceed 22,400 pounds and the weight on any tandem axle shall not exceed 36,000 pounds.

[(g)] (h) For a combination of truck-tractor and single semi-trailer equipped with 5 or more axles with a gross weight in excess of 73,280 pounds or a combination of truck-tractor and more than one trailing unit, the total gross weight shall not exceed 80,000 pounds including all law enforcement tolerances, and the overall gross weight on a group of 2 or more consecutive axles shall not exceed that produced by application of the following formula, known as the weight formula:

W = 500 ----- + 12N + 36

N-1

(In which W equals overall gross weight on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles to the nearest 500 pounds; L equals the distance measured to the nearest foot between the extreme of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles; and N equals the number of axles in the group under consideration.) Except that 2 consecutive sets of tandem axles may carry a gross load of 34,000 pounds each, provided the overall distance between the first and last axles of such consecutive sets of tandem axles is 36 feet or more and provided that such gross weight shall not exceed 80,000 pounds, including all law enforcement tolerances.

The formula W = 500 ----- + 12N + 36

N-1

when expressed in tabular form results in maximum allowable load in pounds carried on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles as follows in table III.

Table III.

Distance * 2 axles 3 axles 4 axles 5 axles 6 axles 7 axles

4 34,000

5 34,000

6 34,000

7 34,000

8 and less 34,000 34,000

more than 8 38,000 42,000

9 39,000 42,500

10 40,000 43,500

11 44,000

12 45,000 50,000

13 45,500 50,500

14 46,500 51,500

15 47,000 52,000

16 48,000 52,500 58,000

17 48,500 53,500 58,500

18 49,500 54,000 59,000

19 50,000 54,500 60,000

20 51,000 55,500 60,500 66,000

21 51,500 56,000 61,000 66,500

22 52,500 56,500 61,500 67,000

23 53,000 57,500 62,500 68,000

24 54,000 58,000 63,000 68,500 74,000

25 54,500 58,500 63,500 69,000 74,500

26 55,500 59,500 64,000 69,500 75,000

27 56,000 60,000 65,000 70,000 75,500

28 57,000 60,500 65,500 71,000 76,500

29 57,500 61,500 66,000 71,500 77,000

30 58,500 62,000 66,500 72,000 77,500

31 59,000 62,500 67,500 72,500 78,000

32 60,000 63,500 68,000 73,000 78,500

33 64,000 68,500 74,000 79,000

34 64,500 69,000 74,500 80,000

35 65,500 70,000 75,000

** 36 66,000 70,500 75,500

** 37 66,500 71,000 76,000

** 38 67,500 71,500 77,000

39 68,000 72,500 77,500

40 68,500 73,000 78,000

41 69,500 73,500 78,500

42 70,000 74,000 79,000

43 70,500 75,000 80,000

44 71,500 75,500

45 72,000 76,000

46 72,500 76,500

47 73,500 77,500

48 74,000 78,000

49 74,500 78,500

50 75,500 79,000

51 76,000 80,000

52 76,500

53 77,500

54 78,000

55 78,500

56 79,500

57 80,000

FN* Distance in feet between the extremes of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles.

FN** Distance in feet between the extremes of 4 axles. (2 sets of 2 axles) 68,000 gross weight exception.

The permissible loads are computed to the nearest 500 pounds.

[(h)] (i) The following loaded vehicles shall not be driven over H15-44 bridges:

(1) A combination vehicle equipped with 5 axles in the configuration of 3-axle truck-tractor and 2-axle semi-trailer with wheel base less than 38 feet or 2-axle truck-tractor with 1-axle semi-trailer and 2-axle full trailer with wheel base less than 45 feet.

(2) A loaded single unit vehicle with full trailer equipped with axles with wheel base less than 45 feet.

(3) Vehicles with 7, 8, or 9 axles.

[(i)] (j) Coupled vehicles consisting of a truck together with a trailer attached to the truck by a pintle hook or similar coupling device with adequate breakaway protection as provided in RSA 266:63 may be driven, provided the total combined gross weight of the vehicles does not exceed 80,000 pounds and provided that each unit of the coupled vehicles shall be limited to the maximum permissible axle weights and gross weights of the individual units, and further provided that the weight of 2 or more consecutive axles of the coupled vehicle shall not be in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph [(g)] (h) and shall be limited to a total combined gross weight not in excess of 80,000 pounds, a single axle limit of 20,000 pounds and a tandem axle limit of 34,000 pounds.

3 Weight on Non-Interstate and General Highway System. Amend RSA 266:18-a, II to read as follows:

II. Maximum allowable vehicle gross weight:

(a) For 2-axle vehicles, 33,400 pounds.

(b) For single unit 3-axle vehicles, 55,000 pounds, or a gross weight not in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph [(g)] (h), whichever is greater, as shown in table III in subparagraph [(g)] (h).

(1) 60,000 pounds, or a gross weight not in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph [(g)] (h), whichever is the greater[. Such vehicles shall have drive on 2 rear axles, and the tridem may contain not more than one retractable axle and, if not factory installed and load equalizing, must provide a system of load equalization by hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means, and be equipped with brakes]; or

(2) If a heavy duty recovery vehicle, 80,000 pounds, or a gross weight not in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph (h), whichever is the greater.

(d) For a single unit 5-axle heavy duty recovery vehicle, 84,000 pounds, or a gross weight not in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in subparagraph (h), whichever is the greater. Such vehicles shall have drive on 2 rear axles, and the tridem may contain not more than one retractable axle and, if not factory installed and load equalizing, must provide a system of load equalization by hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means, and be equipped with brakes.

(e) For a combination of truck-tractor and semi-trailer equipped with 3 axles, the gross weight shall not exceed that set forth in table I as follows:

Table I.

Distance Between Maximum Gross Weight

Extreme Axles in Feet in Pounds

25 54,500

26 55,500

27 56,000

28 57,000

29 57,500

30 58,500

31 59,000

32 60,000

[(e)] (f) For a combination of truck-tractor and semi-trailer equipped with 4 axles, the gross weight shall not exceed that set forth in table II as follows:

Table II.

Distance Between Maximum Gross Weight

Extreme Axles in Feet in Pounds

28 60,500

29 61,500

30 62,000

31 62,500

32 63,500

33 64,000

34 64,500

35 65,500

36 66,000

37 66,500

38 67,500

39 68,000

The formula W = 500 ----- + 12N + 36

N-1

The formula W = 500 ----- + 12N + 36

N-1

when expressed in tabular form results in maximum allowable load in pounds carried on any group of 2 or more consecutive axles as follows in table III.

Table III.

Distance * 2 axles 3 axles 4 axles 5 axles 6 axles 7 axles

4 34,000

5 34,000

6 34,000

7 34,000

8 and less 34,000 34,000

more than 8 38,000 42,000

9 39,000 42,500

10 40,000 43,500

11 44,000

12 45,000 50,000

13 45,500 50,500

14 46,500 51,500

15 47,000 52,000

16 48,000 52,500 58,000

17 48,500 53,500 58,500

18 49,500 54,000 59,000

19 50,000 54,500 60,000

20 51,000 55,500 60,500 66,000

21 51,500 56,000 61,000 66,500

22 52,500 56,500 61,500 67,000

23 53,000 57,500 62,500 68,000

24 54,000 58,000 63,000 68,500 74,000

25 54,500 58,500 63,500 69,000 74,500

26 55,500 59,500 64,000 69,500 75,000

27 56,000 60,000 65,000 70,000 75,500

28 57,000 60,500 65,500 71,000 76,500

29 57,500 61,500 66,000 71,500 77,000

30 58,500 62,000 66,500 72,000 77,500

31 59,000 62,500 67,500 72,500 78,000

32 60,000 63,500 68,000 73,000 78,500

33 64,000 68,500 74,000 79,000

34 64,500 69,000 74,500 80,000

35 65,500 70,000 75,000

** 36 66,000 70,500 75,500

** 37 66,500 71,000 76,000

** 38 67,500 71,500 77,000

39 68,000 72,500 77,500

40 68,500 73,000 78,000

41 69,500 73,500 78,500

42 70,000 74,000 79,000

43 70,500 75,000 80,000

44 71,500 75,500

45 72,000 76,000

46 72,500 76,500

47 73,500 77,500

48 74,000 78,000

49 74,500 78,500

50 75,500 79,000

51 76,000 80,000

52 76,500

53 77,500

54 78,000

55 78,500

56 79,500

57 80,000

FN* Distance in feet between the extremes of any group of 2 or more consecutive axles.

FN** Distance in feet between the extremes of 4 axles. (2 sets of 2 axles) 68,000 gross weight exception.

The permissible loads are computed to the nearest 500 pounds.

[(h)] (i) The following loaded vehicles shall not be driven over H15-44 bridges:

(2) A loaded single unit vehicle with full trailer equipped with axles with wheel base less than 45 feet.

(3) Vehicles with 7, 8, or 9 axles.

4 Weight on Non-Interstate and General Highway System for Vehicles With Additional Registration. Amend RSA 266:18-b, III to read as follows:

III. Maximum allowable vehicle gross weights:

(a) For 2-axle vehicles, 37,400 pounds.

(b) For single unit 3-axle vehicles, 65,000 pounds.

(1) 73,000 pounds[. Such vehicles shall have drive on 2 rear axles, and the tridem may contain not more than one retractable axle and, if not factory installed and load equalizing, must provide a system of load equalization by hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means, and be equipped with brakes]; or

(2) If a heavy duty recovery vehicle, 84,000 pounds.

(d) For a single unit 5-axle heavy duty recovery vehicle, 99,000 pounds, provided that such vehicles shall have drive on 2 rear axles, and the tridem may contain not more than one retractable axle and, if not factory installed and load equalizing, must provide a system of load equalization by hydraulic, pneumatic, or mechanical means, and be equipped with brakes.

(e) For a combination of truck-tractor and semi-trailer equipped with 3 axles, the gross weight shall not exceed that set forth in table I as follows:

Table I.

Distance Between Maximum Gross Weight

Extreme Axles in Feet in Pounds

25 54,500

26 55,500

27 56,000

28 57,000

29 57,500

30 58,500

31 59,000

32 60,000

Further provided that the maximum tire and axle gross weights as provided in paragraph I shall apply, and the maximum load in pounds carried on any axle shall not exceed that provided in paragraph II.

[(e)] (f) For a combination of truck-tractor and semi-trailer equipped with 4 axles or more, the gross weight shall not exceed that set forth in the following table:

Distance * Total Axles Gross Wt.

8 4 or more 59,000

9 60,000

10 61,000

11 62,000

12 63,000

13 64,000

14 65,000

15 66,000

16 67,000

17 68,000

18 69,000

19 5 or more 70,000

20 72,000

21 74,000

22 76,000

23 78,000

24 80,000

25 80,000

26 80,000

27 80,000

28 82,000

29 84,000

30 6 or more 86,000

31 88,000

32 90,000

33 92,500

34 95,000

35 97,500

36 99,000

* The distance in feet noted is that between extreme axles, excluding the steering axle.

Further provided that the maximum tire and axle gross weights as provided in paragraphs I and II shall apply.

[(f)] (g) For a combination of truck-tractor and single semi-trailer with 4 or more axles, the weight on any single axle shall not exceed 22,400 pounds and the weight on any tandem axle shall not exceed 36,000 pounds, and the weight of any tri-axle shall not exceed 54,000 pounds.

[(g)] (h) For a combination of truck-tractor and one or more trailing units being driven upon any way of this state, the total gross weight shall not exceed 99,000 pounds.

[(h)] (i) The commissioner of transportation may restrict at his or her discretion the crossing of certain bridges or other structures, which he or she determines to have insufficient strength to safely carry multiple legal loads, by limiting vehicles to a caution crossing, whereby the bridge is restricted to one vehicle certified under RSA 266:18-d exceeding 37,400 pounds on the bridge at any one time. When multiple vehicles of more than 2 axles are located on the designated bridge, all loaded certified vehicles shall be required to stop and wait until other traffic passes before crossing the bridge. A bridge so restricted shall be posted according to RSA 266:18-c.

[(i)] (j) The following loaded vehicles shall not be driven over H15-44 bridges unless so authorized by the commissioner of transportation:

(1) A combination vehicle equipped with 5 axles in the configuration of 3-axle truck-tractor and 2-axle semi-trailer with wheel base less than 38 feet or 2-axle truck-tractor with one-axle semi-trailer and 2-axle full trailer with wheel base less than 45 feet.

(2) A loaded single unit vehicle with full trailer equipped with 6 axles with wheel base less than 45 feet.

(3) Vehicles with 7, 8, or 9 axles.

[(j)] (k) Coupled vehicles consisting of a truck together with a trailer attached to the truck by a pintle hook or similar coupling device with adequate breakaway protection as provided in RSA 266:63 may be driven, provided the total combined gross weight of the vehicles does not exceed 99,000 pounds and provided that each unit of the coupled vehicles shall be limited to the maximum permissible axle weights and gross weights of the individual units, and further provided that the weight of 2 or more consecutive axles of the coupled vehicle shall not be in excess of that produced by application of the weight formula as defined in RSA 266:18-b, [III(e)] III(f) and shall be limited to a total combined gross weight not in excess of 99,000 pounds, a single axle limit of 22,400 pounds, a tandem axle limit of 36,000 pounds, and a tri-axle limit of 54,000 pounds.

[(k)] (l) For a combination of truck-tractor and dump trailer equipped with 6 axles or more, the gross weight shall not exceed 99,000 pounds if the distance between the extreme axles, excluding the steering axle, is 28 feet or more. If the distance between the extreme axles is less than 28 feet, the maximum weight shall be determined under subparagraph [(e)] (f).

5 Effective Date. This act shall take effect 60 days after its passage.