State Watch – October 2022

The majority of state legislatures have wrapped up their work for this year. A special thanks to those of you who followed what took place in your state and who tipped us off on initiatives you cared about.

Here’s our early fall roundup of what governors signed into law in recent weeks and of other items still active.

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

Delaware

A bill on the Delaware governor’s desk would raise fines for trucks illegally parked in residential areas.

Fines now are set from $28.75 to $230 for the first offense. Fines for repeat offenses range from $100 to $500. HB479 would increase fines to no less than $100 to no more than $500 for the first offense. Subsequent fines would range from $400 up to $2,000.

Additionally, the bill would allow the state DOT to ban truck parking on roadways as it sees fit.

Louisiana

A new Louisiana law is intended to address supplementing transportation funding via owners of fuel-efficient vehicles.

Gov. John Bel Edwards has signed into law HB1031 to impose annual road-use fees for electric and hybrid vehicles. Specifically, annual fees of $110 for electric vehicles and $60 for hybrid vehicles will be implemented. It takes effect Jan. 1.

Maryland

As of Oct. 1, the state of Maryland expanded their requirement to move over for vehicles along the roadside.

Maryland statute has required 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 roadway 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

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has signed into law a bill to move the state forward with development of a connected and automated vehicle corridor.

Previously SB706, the new law permits the Michigan DOT and Office of Future Mobility and Electrification to work jointly with the private sector to create and put into use automated vehicle roadway technology.

MDOT also is given authority to designate a segment of roadway under its jurisdiction as an automated vehicle roadway. The rule also applies to certain driving lanes.

Pennsylvania

One new Pennsylvania law requires drivers to remove accumulated ice or snow before driving on roadways.

State law has allowed police to ticket car and truck drivers between $200 and $1,000 if the wintry mix causes serious injury or death.

Previously SB1094, the new law authorizes law enforcement to issue tickets solely for failure to clear vehicles of snow and ice.

Drivers are required to make “reasonable efforts” to remove snow or ice from all parts of their vehicles within 24 hours of a weather event. Offenders face a maximum fine of $1,500. Enforcement is limited to highways. A separate provision requires PennDOT to stagger the expiration dates of commercial vehicles apportioned registrations.

The new law provides at least four renewal periods each year. The department is authorized to pro-rate registration as the new expiration dates are created.

Another new law directs PennDOT to establish an electronic weigh station bypass system.

Previously HB1410, the new law provides access to additional funding from FMCSA’s innovative technology deployment program.

A GPS- or infrastructure-based program will be created to provide PennDOT and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission with authority over weigh-in-motion stations. The new law takes effect in January.

Vermont

Vermont Gov. Phil Scott has signed into law a new transportation budget. Included in the budget is funding for the state’s transportation program and miscellaneous changes to transportation laws. Previously H736, the new budget totals more than $878 million.

Funding comes from multiple sources that include the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, a five-year federal transportation funding bill that provides record federal funding to states.

Funding covers highway construction and paving, bridge maintenance and repairs, public transit, and electric vehicle charging infrastructure. Programs to reduce transportation emissions also are included. LL