State Watch – November 2023

As 2023 nears an end, OOIDA is focused on providing truckers with information on important legislation coming in the new year. State lawmakers from all corners of the country will be adding to that list by offering new bills over the next few months.

Here is a roundup of noteworthy issues addressed by governors in recent weeks, as well as the latest activity on other notable efforts. For a complete rundown of state legislation, visit LandLine.media.

Arizona

In Arizona, a new law puts in place requirements for vehicle weight-restriction signage.

State law authorizes a local authority to prohibit the operation of large trucks or to place weight designations. Local authorities can post their own signage. The same rules apply to roadways under the jurisdiction of the Arizona DOT.

SB1098 requires signage for truck weight restrictions to be uniform and designed by ADOT. Signage on highways that does not meet requirements is not enforceable.

Arkansas

A new Arkansas law covers pedestrians on highways.

The new law prohibits pedestrians within the boundaries of controlled-access highways. Exceptions along a state highway or street are included for construction personnel, vehicle breakdowns, wrecks and emergencies.

SB504 is designed for an unhindered flow of traffic without intersections, traffic signals or property access. Violators would face up to a $100 fine.

California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has vetoed a bill that would have prohibited autonomous large trucks without a safety driver on state roadways.

The operation of autonomous trucks without a safety driver on state roadways is prohibited. The state DMV is considering changes to the autonomous trucks ban that could open the door to driverless trucks.

The legislation, AB316, called for blocking the DMV from making those changes. Instead, the bill sought to put into statute that the operation of autonomous vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds be prohibited for testing purposes, transporting goods or transporting passengers without a “human safety operator physically present” in the vehicle during operation.

Newsom said he vetoed the bill because “existing law provides sufficient authority to create the appropriate regulatory framework.”

Delaware

In Delaware, Gov. John Carney signed into law a bill that includes a provision to authorize speed cameras in work zones.

The legislation, HB94, creates a five-year pilot program to permit speed cameras in work zones. There is no warning period included in the new law. Citation notifications would be doled out to owners of vehicles found exceeding the posted speed by at least 11 mph. The new law took effect immediately.

Maine

Maine Gov. Janet Mills has signed into law a bill that allows the state to move away from relying on bonds to help cover transportation costs.

LD259 taps sales and use taxes related to vehicle purchases to help the state address the funding shortfall. Specifically, 40% of the 5.5% sales tax on vehicle purchases will be routed to transportation. Additionally, 40% of sales and use taxes collected by the Bureau of Motor Vehicles also is tapped for infrastructure repair.

The changes are expected to raise more than $100 million annually for roads and bridges.

Mississippi

A new Mississippi law revises truck platooning rules. HB1003 amends statute to permit operation of platoons on state roadways without a human driver in trailing vehicles.

Affected vehicles must be fully engaged to operate without a human driver behind the wheel.

Texas

In Texas, a new law modifies the definition of a commercial fleet.

Texas law has required motor carriers to have at least 25 commercial vehicles to align all registration renewals to occur at the same time.

Since Sept. 1, the number of motor vehicles necessary to qualify as a commercial fleet for vehicle registration purposes is down from 25 to 12. The new law permits affected operations to align all renewals to occur at the same time. LL