Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §505, sub-§2, ¶¶R to U are enacted to read:

R.__For gross weight from 54,001 to 58,000 pounds, the fee is $378.

S.__For gross weight from 58,001 to 62,000 pounds, the fee is $401.

T.__For gross weight from 62,001 to 66,000 pounds, the fee is $424.

U.__For gross weight from 66,001 to 69,000 pounds, the fee is $467.

Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §505, sub-§3, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:

3. Maximum weight. The maximum registered weight of a farm truck is 54,000 69,000 pounds, including product. The fine for exceeding the registered gross weight of a farm truck is the difference between the fee for a farm truck and a commercially registered truck or truck tractor within the category of the actual weight at the time of the violation.

Sec. 3. 29-A MRSA §505, sub-§9 is enacted to read:

9.__Seasonal axle exemption.__Notwithstanding the axle weight limits imposed pursuant to chapter 21, subchapter I, the axle weight limits for farm vehicles must be waived annually for a period of time not to exceed 6 weeks to coincide with the potato harvest season.__The Commissioner of Transportation, in consultation with the Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources, shall annually determine the dates during which the axle weight of farm trucks is not enforced but gross weight restrictions are enforced.

SUMMARY

This bill increases the maximum gross weight of farm trucks to 69,000 pounds.

This bill also requires the Commissioner of Transportation and Commissioner of Agriculture, Food and Rural Resources annually to establish a period coinciding with the potato harvest season during which the axle weight restrictions on farm trucks are waived.