Sec. 1. 29-A MRSA §2357, sub-§2, as enacted by PL 1993, c. 683, Pt. A, §2 and affected by Pt. B, §5, is amended to read:

2. Tolerance. A vehicle qualifying under this section is not in violation if its gross vehicle weight does not exceed 110% of the maximum gross vehicle weight established in section 2353, subsection 1 and the maximum axle loads do not exceed:

A. For a single-axle unit, 24,200 26,000 pounds;

B. For a tandem-axle unit, 46,000 50,000 pounds; and

C. For a tri-axle unit, 54,000 64,000 pounds; and.

D. On the tri-axle unit of a 4-axle single-unit vehicle hauling forest products, 64,000 pounds.

Sec. 2. 29-A MRSA §2357, sub-§2-A is enacted to read:

2-A.__Over-limit trucks.__For vehicles operating with a vehicle weight that is:

A.__At least 120% but less than 140% of either the gross vehicle weights or axle weights allowed under section 2353, the fines established in section 2360, subsection 3 are doubled;

B.__At least 140% but less than 160% of either the gross vehicle weights or the axle weights allowed under section 2353, the fines established in section 2360, subsection 3 are tripled; and

C.__At least 160% of either the gross vehicle weights or axle weights allowed under section 2353, the fines established in section 2360, subsection 3 are quadrupled.

SUMMARY

The bill increases the axle weights allowed for single-axle, tandem-axle and tri-axle trucks. This bill also increases the fines for trucks found in excess of the axle weight limits.