State Watch – November 2024

As the new year approaches, the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association is focused on providing truckers with information on important legislation in 2025. In the next few months, state lawmakers from all corners of the country will add to that list by offering new bills.

Here is our 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.

California

California Gov. Gavin Newsom has again vetoed legislation to prohibit autonomous vehicle operation with a gross vehicle weight of at least 10,001 pounds for testing purposes, transporting goods or transporting passengers without a “human safety operator physically present” in the vehicle during operation.

AB2286 called for keeping the prohibition in place until at least 2030.

Newsom said the legislation is unnecessary. In his veto message, he wrote that draft regulations from the Department of Motor Vehicles include strict guidelines for heavy-duty autonomous vehicles.

Newsom is calling for changes to address concerns about high fuel costs. The governor convened a special session to address fuel-price spikes. Specifically, he wants lawmakers to approve a requirement to maintain minimum supply inventories. He said the requirement would help prevent fuel-price spikes and save Californians money.

“Price spikes on consumers are profit spikes for oil companies, and they’re overwhelmingly caused by refiners not backfilling supplies when they go down for maintenance,” Newsom wrote.

Florida

In Florida, a vetoed legislation sought to apply left-lane rule changes for all highway users.

HB317 called for forbidding any vehicle from continuous operation in the far-left lane of roadways with a posted speed of at least 65 mph. Exceptions to the rule would have been made for actions including overtaking and passing another vehicle or preparing to turn left.

Gov. Ron DeSantis said the bill was “too broad and could lead to drivers in Florida being pulled over, ticketed and fined for driving in the furthest-left lane even if they are not impeding the flow of traffic or if there are few or no other cars in the immediate area.”

He wrote in his veto letter that the bill could potentially increase congestion in Florida’s urban areas, “as drivers may decide to not utilize the furthest-left-hand lane at all for fear of being ticketed.”

Maryland

Since the first of July in Maryland, the state has been charging more fees for vehicle registrations.

A new law includes authorization for the state to collect an additional surcharge of $250 every two years from owners of electric vehicles. Owners of hybrid vehicles will pay $200 over the same time.

In addition to higher registration fees, owners of electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles will also pay a surcharge between $100 and $125. These fees will take effect in July 2025.

Michigan

A new Michigan law authorizes electric-powered trucks to weigh up to 82,000 pounds – up from 80,000 pounds.

Previously SB501, the new law allows electric truck tractors to also exceed current axle-loading and weight-load maximums by up to 2,000 pounds. The gross weight of an electric truck tractor or a combination of an electric truck tractor and semitrailer, however, is limited to 82,000 pounds.

Pennsylvania

Most tractor-trailers operating in Pennsylvania are required to display International Fuel Tax decals on both sides of the cab exterior. Truck drivers are also responsible for carrying a road tax registration card, an IFTA license or a legible photocopy of either.

Trucking fleet operators can purchase these credentials through the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue or at four locations throughout the state.

A bill, HB2430, would permit online messenger services to process IFTA applications, issue the relevant decals and licenses, and collect and remit all related fees. The bill has advanced from the House Transportation Committee. LL