An Act To
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 2209
Committee Amendment CA_A_H871 (House)
Amends: 29-A MRSA §2353

COMMITTEE AMENDMENT "A " to H.P. 1576-; h.D. 2209, Bill, "An Act To 
Amend the Axle Weight Laws for Trucks Transporting Unprocessed Agricultural 
Products and Forest Products" 
Amend the bill by striking out the title and substituting the following: 
'An Act To Amend the Axle Weight Laws' 
Amend the bill by striking out everything after the title and before the summary and 
inserting the following: 
'Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, the price of diesel fuel in Maine is at an all-time high and is devastating to 
the Maine economy, especially with regard to the trucking industry; and 
Whereas, this legislation seeks to reduce the economic burdens imposed by axle 
weight limits on the trucking industry; and 
Whereas, in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within 
the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as 
immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, 
therefore, 
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows: 
Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2353, sub-§4-A is enacted to read: 
4-A. Exemption. A vehicle that exceeds the axle weight limits and axle weight 
tolerance restrictions imposed under this chapter is not subject to a fine for a violation of 
those limits and restrictions unless the vehicle exceeds the maximum gross vehicle weight 
limits, including tolerances imposed under this chapter. 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
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COMMITTEE AMENDMENT .. fl, to H.P. 1576, L.D. 2209 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited In the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved.' 
SUMMARY 
This amendment, which is one of 2 minority reports, replaces the bill. 
The 
amendment provides that any vehicle that exceeds the axle weight limits and axle weight 
tolerance restrictions imposed under Maine law is not subject to a fine for a violation of 
those limits and restrictions unless the vehicle exceeds the maximum gross vehicle weight 
limits, including tolerances. 
FISCAL NOTE REQUIRED 
(See attached) 
COMMITTEE AMENDMENT 
Approved: 03/27/08 ;:Idczc 
LD 2209 
LR 3477(02) 
An Act To Amend the Axle Weight Laws for Trucks Transporting Unprocessed Agricultural Products 
and Forest Products 
Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment "A " 
Committee: Transportation 
Fiscal Note Required: Yes 
Fiscal Note 
Potential current biennium cost increase - Highway Fund 
Potential current biennium revenue decrease - Federal Expenditures Fund 
Current biennium revenue decrease - Highway Fund 
r~orrectional and Judicial Impact Statements 
This bill allows an axle weight limit exception for any vehicle. The exception will reduce the number of overweight 
truck violations and result in an undetermined reduction in Highway Fund fine revenue beginning in fiscal year 2008-
09. 
Fiscal Detail and Notes 
The Department of Transportation indicates that allowing vehicles to exceed the axle weight limits and axle weight 
tolerance restrictions could result in a significant fiscal impact due to additional highway and bridge deterioration. 
Additional pavement wear and tear could be millions of dollars per year and bridge remaining service life could be 
decreased. The Department indicates that additional highway and bridge postings may be necessary to protect asset 
serviceability. Additionally, capital projects may be deferred to cover the additional cost. 
The bill as written would exceed the Federal weight limits specified within the United States Code Title 23 for the 
portion of the Maine Turnpike designated Interstate 95 and 495 and that portion of Interstate 95 from the southern 
terminus of the Maine Turnpike to the New Hampshire state line. The Federal Highway Administration indicates that 
because of this the bill could result in the withholding of Maine's National Highway Apportionment, which is 
approximately $29 million per year. 
LR3477(02) - Fiscal Note - Page 1 of 1