New Virginia laws aid certain loads, heavier trucks

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed into law multiple bills that address trucking issues.

The first bill covers overweight permits for large trucks hauling Virginia-grown produce over bridges and culverts. Specifically, the change applies to five-axle combinations having no less than 42 feet of axle space between extreme axles.

Previously SB73, the new rule extends the weight limit on bridges for affected vehicles from 80,000 pounds to 90,000 pounds with the issuance of a permit. The extension is not available for bridges with lower weight limits posted.

In addition, the change does not apply to vehicles operating on the state’s interstate highways.

According to a fiscal analysis by the state’s Department of Planning and Budget, the increased weight allowance will increase the occurrence of heavier loads on “fatigue-prone bridges,” which would increase maintenance costs over time.

“It is difficult to precisely quantify the increase in bridge maintenance needs that will be incurred by the passage of this bill, but the aggregate valuation of the bridge inventory is estimated … to decrease by approximately $15 million per year,” the analysis reads.

The new weight rule takes effect on July 1.

A separate bill signed into law explores heavier trucks. SB504 requires the Virginia Department of Transportation to convene a work group to identify potential problems of participating in a federal data collection pilot program or project for six-axle truck combinations weighing up to 91,000 pounds on interstates.

No federal pilot program yet exists.

The state agency will evaluate safety, efficiency and infrastructure concerns for the heavy vehicles. VDOT is required to file a report with its findings to the governor and state lawmakers by the convening of the 2019 legislative year.

Another new law moves the state one step closer to a price break on trailer registration.

As approved by the Virginia General Assembly, HB680 reduced the minimum motor vehicle sales and use tax on semi-trailers from $75 to $35. The change would apply to trailers with registered gross weights up to 2,000 pounds.

Trailers in excess of 2,000 pounds would continue to have a minimum $75 fee for registration.

The Department of Motor Vehicles reports that in 2017 there would have been 17,308 registered trailers subject to the $35 minimum.

Prior to signing the bill into law, the governor issued a recommendation to state legislators to delay implementation of the rule change.

Northam called on the DMV and the state DOT to work together with other stakeholders to study the issue and provide recommendations to the General Assembly by Dec. 1. The legislature also would need to vote again on the issue in 2019 before changes could be enacted.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Virginia, click here.