Butts County, Ga., proposes stiffer fines for trucks traveling on county roads

May 21, 2018

Tyson Fisher

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Truckers driving through Butts County, Ga., could face heavier fines for driving through on county roads if one county commissioner gets his way. A proposed ordinance will increase the fines with possible jail time for driving on county roads.

On May 14, Commissioner Ken Rivers proposed a new ordinance that will expand on a law that already exists. Currently, certain heavy vehicles are not allowed to travel on county roads, although a few exceptions apply. The fine for driving through the county on a county road is roughly the same as running a stop sign, Rivers told Land Line.

Rivers wants to increase the fine to further deter drivers, as the county has noticed several trucks ignoring the ban. Under River’s proposal, vehicles with six wheels or 30 feet in length traveling on county roads will be fined a minimum of $400 up to $1,000 or spend 60 days in jail.

Some exceptions will apply. Trucks making deliveries or with a point of origin within the county will be allowed to drive on county roads as needed. Also, truckers who live in the county will be exempt. The proposed ordinance is targeted at truckers who are only driving through the county.

The first reading of the proposal is scheduled for the next board of commissioners meeting on June 11.