Assigned to TTMC                                                                                                        AS PASSED BY HOUSE

ARIZONA STATE SENATE

Fifty-Sixth Legislature, Second Regular Session

AMENDED

FACT SHEET FOR S.B. 1376

vehicle loads; restrictions

Purpose

Expands vehicle-load restrictions to apply to a street or roadway, excluding specified agricultural equipment and purposes.

Background

To drive or move a vehicle on a highway, the vehicle must be constructed or loaded in a manner to prevent any of its load from dropping, sifting, leaking or otherwise escaping from the vehicle, excluding: 1) sufficient sand that is dropped to secure traction; 2) water or another substance that is sprinkled on a roadway for cleaning or maintenance; and 3) minor pieces of agricultural materials such as leaves and stems from agricultural loads. A person may not operate a vehicle with a load on a highway, unless the load and any covering on the load are securely fastened in a manner that prevents the covering or load from becoming loose, detached or a hazard to other highway users.

If a person is found in violation of the prescribed vehicle-load restrictions, the person is subject to a civil penalty of up to: 1) $250 for a first violation and $350 for a second or subsequent violation in a 60-month period; 2) $500 for a violation that results in an accident causing serious physical injury to another person; or 3) $1,000 for a violation that results in an accident causing the death of another person (A.R.S. § 28-1098).

               There is no anticipated fiscal impact to the state General Fund associated with this legislation.

Provisions

1. Applies the prescribed vehicle-load restrictions for highways to streets and roadways.

2. Excludes the following from the prescribed vehicle-load restrictions:

a) a vehicle when the vehicle is being used for agricultural purposes on a farm; and

b) minor pieces of agricultural materials that drop, sift, leak or otherwise escape from agricultural equipment.

3. Makes technical and conforming changes.

4. Becomes effective on the general effective date.

Amendments Adopted by Committee

· Retains the exception for minor pieces of agricultural materials that drop, sift, leak or otherwise escape from a vehicle.

Amendments Adopted by the House of Representatives

1. Adds exceptions to the vehicle-load restrictions relating to agricultural equipment and purposes.

2. Makes conforming changes.

Senate Action House Action

TTMC             2/15/24      DPA     5-2-0                 TI                    3/22/24      DP     10-0-0-1

3^rd Read          2/29/24                    21-6-3               3^rd Read          4/3/24                   21-38-0-0-1

3^rd Read* 4/10/24                 45-12-2-0-1

*on reconsideration

Prepared by Senate Research

April 10, 2024

KJA/EB/slp