MSP weight laws presentation
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Transcript of MSP weight laws presentation
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MSP
Michigan Weight Laws
Michigan State Police
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
Insp. Randy L. CoplinApril 21, 2015
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Topics of Discussion
Introduction
Michigans Weight Law - General
History
Fines
Road Designations
Frost laws (25% and 35%)
Questions
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Introduction
The laws restricting the size and weight of commercial
motor vehicles are complex and require special training.
Michigan has some very unique size and weight laws,
with some of the largest and heaviest vehicles in North
America.
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Michigan Weight Law
There are some basic precepts on which Michigans weight law is based:
Michigan is an axle state (no gross weight limit in the statute).
The federal government mandated the use of the Bridge Formula.
Michigans weight law was grandfathered. (Part of the restrictions to the grandfather clause is the maximum allowable axle gross
weight is limited to 164,000 lbs).
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Because Michigan is an axle state, there is no legal
definition of misload.
The term is not defined anywhere in Michigan law.
Any amount of overage on an axle is subject to penalty.
Overweight fines are significant.
Even a small overweight creates a fine in excess of most misdemeanors and even some felonies.
Most carriers and owners cited for overweight dont argue that they werent overweight, but argue the amount of the fine.
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History Prior to 1952, the fine for weight violations was a simple
misdemeanor, $100 and/or 90 days, regardless of the
amount of overload.
It was much more profitable to run overweight and take the ticket
than to run legal.
1952: the weight law was changed to a graduated scale
penalty.
1968: weight law was amended to read that the court
has discretion as to the amount of the fine if the vehicle is
operated under its maximum allowable weight, the court
may charge $250 in lieu of using the graduated fine scale
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History Cont.
1978: weight law was amended, changing the violation
from a misdemeanor to a civil infraction.
1989: the civil infraction penalty was increased by 50%,
the first such change since 1952 when the graduated
scale was established.
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Fines for Overweight Axles
Pennies per pound for excess weight:
0 - 1000 = No fine
1001 - 2000 = .03 for every pound over
2001 - 3000 = .06 for every pound over
3001 - 4000 = .09 for every pound over
4001 - 5000 = .12 for every pound over
5001 - 10,000 = .15 for every pound over
10,001 & over = .20 for every pound
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Protect Infrastructure
Bridges & Roads
Protect Motoring Public
Unsafe Overweight Trucks
Reduce Repair Costs
Heavy Trucks Damage Roads
Save Lives
Traffic Crashes/Deaths
Reasons for Laws and Enforcement
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Axle Weights General Information
Maximum load limits may depend on the following: Type of highway you are operating on.
The number of axles and the distance (spacing) between the axles or axle assemblies on the vehicle or combination of vehicles.
The maximum allowable gross weight of the vehicle or combination of vehicles.
Tire width (as published by the manufacturer).
Depending on the conditions above, your vehicle may be subject to the maximums found under the normal loading, designated loading,
or special designated loading standards.
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Road Designations
Normal Loading
Designated Highway
Special Designated Highway
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Terms
Normal Loading Maximum is the basis for all roads
within Michigan.
Found in Subsection (1).
All vehicles get at least these weights, unless posted at
lower weights.
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Normal Loading Maximums
18,000 lbs., provided the axle has a 9 foot spacing on
EACH side.
13,000 lbs., provided the axle spacing is between 3
feet and 9 feet on EITHER side.
9,000 lbs., provided the axle spacing is less than 3
feet on either side.
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Designated HighwaysExtension of Normal Loading
Designated highways build from Subsection (1).
Found in Subsections (2) and (3).
Road must be Designated by agency (state or local)
having jurisdiction.
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Designated Loading Maximums
One Tandem Axle Assembly may have a gross weight of 16,000 lbs. per axle, provided that there is
no other axle within 9 feet.
No other tandem exceeds 13,000 lbs. per axle.
5-Axle Truck Tractor-Semi Trailer (Tandem-Tandem) Combination:
(Two Tandem Axle Assemblies at 16,000 lbs. per axle).
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Special Designated Highways
Special Designated highways are based on the Bridge
Formula.
Found in Subsection (12) and is based on Federal
Regulations.
Applies to all Interstate freeways, US, and most M
Routes.
Road must be Special Designated by agency (state or
local) having jurisdiction.
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Special Designated Highway
Maximums
20,000 lbs. on any 1 axle;
A tandem axle weight of 34,000 lbs.;
All other axle combinations depend upon the Bridge
Formula. There may be several axle groups on any
given vehicle or vehicle combination.
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Frost Law
By statute, reduced weights are in effect during March,
April, and May.
The maximum axle load allowable on concrete
pavements or pavements with a concrete base is
reduced by 25%, and the maximum axle loads allowable
on all other types of roads during these months are
reduced by 35% from the maximum axle loads as
specified.
Weight restrictions may suspend or implement when
determine necessary.
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Width, Length and Height
Height legal 13 feet
Width total outside body width of a bus, a trailer coach, a trailer, a semi trailer, a truck camper, or a motor home
shall not exceed 102 inches.
The total outside width of the load of a vehicle hauling concrete pipe, ferrous pipe, agricultural products, or
unprocessed logs, pulpwood, or wood bolts shall not
exceed 108 inches.
Length vehicle and route specific
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Portable Scales
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Stationary Scales
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Questions