An Act To Amend the Axle Weight Laws for Trucks Transporting Unprocessed Agricultural Products and Forest Products (AFfER DEADLINE)
Maine Legislature, Session 123, LD 2209
Committee: Transportation
Sponsors: THOMAS, MARTIN, CROSTHWAITE, CUMMINGS, TARDY, RA YE, ROSEN
Amends: 29-A MRSA §2353

Legislative Document 
No. 2209 
H.P.1576 
House of Representatives, February 12, 2008 
An Act To Amend the Axle Weight Laws for Trucks Transporting 
Unprocessed Agricultural Products and Forest Products 
(AFfER DEADLINE) 
(EMERGENCY) 
Approved for introduction by a majority of the Legislative Council pursuant to Joint Rule 
205. 
Reference to the Committee on Transportation suggested and ordered printed. 
Presented by Representative THOMAS of Ripley. 
Cosponsored by Senator MARTIN of Aroostook and 
'-77l~ 1J7. 71?tU;:fd~{ 
MILLICENT M. MacFARLAND 
Clerk 
Representatives: CROSTHWAITE of Ellsworth, Speaker CUMMINGS of Portland. MARLEY 
of Portland, TARDY of Newport, Senators: RA YE of Washington, ROSEN of Hancock. 
SA V AGE of Knox. WESTON of Waldo. 
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not 
become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and 
Whereas, Maine is dependent on its natural resources-based economy; and 
Whereas, the price of diesel fuel in Maine is at an all-time high and is devastating 
the Maine economy, especially with regard to loggers and truckers carrying forest 
products and unprocessed agricultural products; and 
Whereas, Governor John E. Baldacci has already issued a Declaration of Civil 
Emergency regarding the high price of diesel fuel and its impact on the State's forest 
products industry; and 
Whereas, this legislation seeks to reduce the economic burdens imposed by axle 
weight limits on vehicles transporting unprocessed agricultural products or forest 
products; 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. 
Vehicles transporting unprocessed agricultural products or forest 
products. Notwithstanding subsection 4, a vehicle transporting unprocessed agricultural 
products or forest products 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. 
Emergency clause. 
In view of the emergency cited 
the preamble, this 
legislation takes effect when approved. 
SUMMARY 
This bill provides that a vehicle transporting unprocessed agricultural products or 
forest products 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.