State Watch – July 2022

We know you don’t have time to keep up with all of the bills being considered that affect your trucking business. That’s why your Association keeps a close watch on trucking legislation action in statehouses near you.

On the following pages, you will find a roundup of some significant actions from around the country.

For a complete rundown of state legislation, visit LandLine.Media.

Colorado

A new law in Colorado gives owner-operators the option to purchase an occupational accident policy as an alternative to workers’ compensation.

SB35 allows a commercial operator who meets certain requirements to purchase an occupational accident insurance policy rather than a workers’ compensation policy.

The occupational accident option allows small trucking companies in the state to compete in neighboring states that already provide the option.

It takes effect in mid-August.

Louisiana

A Louisiana bill headed to the governor’s desk addresses concerns about travel along the Atchafalaya Basin Bridge.

Currently, motorists are permitted to travel up to 60 mph along the Interstate 10 span. Truck drivers are permitted to travel up to 55 mph. Additionally, trucks are limited to use the left lane only for passing.

SB435 would authorize double fines. The bill also authorizes the use of cameras to time how long it takes a vehicle to travel to certain points along the bridge.

Vehicles that reach the points along the bridge at travel rates faster than would be expected for the vehicle would be subject to a violation notice.

Another piece of trucking legislation sent to the governor would create a new tandem load permit for trucks hauling to and from shipping ports in the state.

SB477 would authorize the Louisiana transportation department to issue a special, biannual permit for affected loads.

Tandem loads would be permitted on 20-foot shipping containers with a single tractor. The load limit would be set at 140,000 pounds.

Loads could not be more than 40,000 pounds per axle. A 60,000-pound cap per tridem axle spread is included.

Overall length could not be more than 83 feet.

The department must approve routes for the tandem loads.

Maryland

Starting Oct. 1, the state of Maryland will expand their requirement to move over for vehicles along the roadside.

Maryland statute now requires drivers to change lanes further away from emergency vehicles, tow trucks, and service vehicles parked next to the road. Violators face fines up to $500.

Previously SB147, the new law expands the state’s “move over” rule to protect all roadways users. Specifically, the new rule requires drivers to move over or slow down while approaching a disabled vehicle displaying hazard warning lights, road flares, or other caution signals or warning lights.

Michigan

A new law now in effect in Michigan authorizes one or more flashing lights and an illuminated changeable digital message displaying the speed limit required for a work zone.

State law requires speed limits for freeway work zones to change depending on whether workers are present. Specifically, the freeway work zone speed limit of 60 mph drops to 45 mph when workers are on the job.

HB5286 covers times when workers are present in the affected areas. Workers are considered present when located in proximity to a roadway that is not protected by a guardrail or barrier.

Ohio

An Ohio bill sent to the governor’s desk would authorize nearly $700 million for transportation purposes. Funding for the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor Project also is a part of the bill.

A separate provision in HB338 would permit the Ohio Turnpike Commission to establish reciprocity agreements with other states to recoup lost revenue from nonpaying out-of-state drivers.

One more trucking legislation related provision in the bill authorizes a waiver of the knowledge test for commercial driver’s licensing of current and former military members.

Utah

A new Utah law classifies driving at least 100 mph to be reckless driving. Driving at least 25 mph in excess of the posted speed would also be classified as reckless driving.

SB53 sets a minimum fine for driving 100 mph or faster.

Specifically, fines could not be less than 150% of the suggested fine in the state’s “uniform fine schedule.” Fines vary based on the posted speed limit.

Violators would face fines up to $1,000 and/or up to six months in jail. LL